May 26, 2025

I recognise Minister Darrell.

Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise today and I ask
that the House send a letter of condolences to the family of Mr. Ralph Eugene Bean, Sr., affectionately known
in the community as “Gumbo.” And I would like to associate the Premier, Minister De Silva—the entire
House with these condolences.
As we would know, Gumbo, Sr., was affectionately known as a legend in this community for his ca-reer on the football pitch, mainly with North Village
Community Club at a point in his career winning the Triple Crown, along with many other accolades. Mr. Bean
played for the national team, and he also had a brief
stint overseas professionally. And while I would say
this, Madam Deputy Speaker, I never saw Ralph, Sr.,
Gumbo, Sr., kick a ball, but I could only imagine as I am
a good friend of his son, Ralph “Gumb o” Bean, Jr., and
when I watched him play, it was a joy to watch him on
the pitch, and it was often said by many people in the
crowd, You are almost as good as your father . So, with
that said, I could only imagine, and from what I've heard
from individuals like my father and others, that he was a class act on the field.
But as I said, I never saw him kick a ball. I want
to speak to the man that I knew him to be. He was a humble man. He was one who loved all sports, espe-cially golf and basketball. And some of my memories
going over his house as a teenager was watching him
sit in the living room and just enjoying sport.
He was also a man of God at his church, the
First Church of God, where he was a deacon. And to
his wife, Ms. Carol Bean, his children, Nikki and Ralph,
Jr., his grandchildren, Jont é Smith, Hailey Smith, and
Rhylen Bean, to the entire North Village Community Club family, to his extended family, his friends, you
have the deepest condolences from me for your loss.
And in the 30 seconds that I have left, Madam
Deputy Speaker, I'd like to send congratulations to the
winner of this year's Bermuda Marathon Derby, Mr.
Sean Trott, it was his first, and the first female, Ms.
Gayle Lindsay, on her three- peat.
Also, I would like to send a shout -out to some
individuals who ran as to try to get personal best. The Grateful Miles Run Club, co -founded by one of my con -
stituents, Mr. Ezekiel Stoneham, as well as
850 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly congratulations to all organisers and participants of the
Bermuda Day holiday.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

[Timer chimes]

Good morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. Good morning, Bermuda, and good morning, colleagues.
I would just like to raise today to extend my
thanks and gratitude to the organisers, the volunteers,
everyone who helped make the recent Bermuda Day
festivities a roaring success. I encourage you to continue to grow from strength to strength, and I encour age
you to not be dissuaded by those who criticise just to
criticise. A lot of good work was done, and you deserve
your praise for it.
I also rise today to extend a hearty 80th birthday
greeting for a former member of this Chamber, a former member from Sandys North, Mr. Lionel Simmons, who
happens to be my father. He will be celebrating 80
years today, and I want to thank him not just for his service, for putting in some good work on me.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Thank you. Are there any other
Members who wish to speak?
I recognise the Minister from constituency 16.
Minister, you have the floor.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good morning, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise this morning to
start off on a sad note. I would like to be associated with
the remarks for the passing of Ralph “Gumbo” Bean.
Not only was he good to watch, a standout to watch on
the field, he was truly a class -act off the fi eld, and my
condolences go out to his family and friends and the
North Village community as a whole.
But, Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to highlight my uniformed services over this past weekend. I
would like to start with the Royal Bermuda Regiment,
who worked throughout the whole weekend, the Bermuda Day weekend, tirelessly, not only with the race in
the morning, the parade, the Coast Guard, they even
had a marching band playing music in the parade. So,
hats off to Colonel Simons and his team for the stellar
job that they have done over this past weekend to make sure that we keep Bermuda safe.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would also like to
highlight the police for their role in keeping our Island safe and, for the most part, incident free during this past
weekend. Not only were they out and about serving the
community, they took part in the parade. And, as a matter of fact, their float was awarded the most beautiful float. And I would like to personally highlight PC Kim
Spring, who is the architect of that float, and with her
passion and knowledge of Bermuda Day and her love
of Bermuda Day, she orchestrated that float. So, not only were the police out and about doing their job, they
were actually participating in the parade and mingling
with our people. That's a testament to what we do in the
Uniformed Services. And, as always, it gives me the
opportu nity to say, anyone that is looking for a career,
look for a career in the Uniformed Services.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Yes, good morning,
Madam Deputy Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to start off
by offering congratulations to Mr. Quinton Sherlock, Jr.,
who is a golf professional and is opening a new golf school in St. George’s at the GOLFZON Leadbetter
Golf Academy at the St. Regis. It's a great addi tion, and
we wish him well. And I know I'll associate fellow golfer,
the Deputy Premier, and [Member] Tyrrell, who is a regular golfer as well.
On a sadder note, I have a number of condolences. To the family of my dear friend, Ivan Swan, Jr., who I first met at Allen Camp in 1969, and a friendship
grew out of that, whose father, Ivan, Sr., I knew very,
very well, frequenting St. George's Golf Club for many
years before he passed.
Mr. Alfred Ambrose Scott, who was a regular
talk show caller, sharing history. He, at one time,
worked at Camden. He was the consummate well -
dressed, very polite, and diction, outstanding diction , a s
he articulated. Always shared history with me about the
Odd Fellows' halls around Bermuda and his concern
about them.
Condolences to my cousin, Colin Thompson,
Jr., and the family, and Barbara Bean on the passing of Zaire Bean. I grew up with Alan Stacy Gilbert. Condo-lences to his family. Member Scott Simmons would
know him very well from going to school, but I knew his
brothers, Kimball, the great boxer, and Derrick, his
brother Jungle, from cricket at Somerset Bridge, and
football with Somerset Eagles.
My cousin, Charles Ratteray, who passed, siblings of Oda Mallory and Kerwin Rattray, his wife, Joan.
He carried the legacy of the name Charles Roach Rattray, our patriarch, from 1799 coming to Bermuda from
Bahamas.
And I would like to be associated with the condolences to the masterful Ralph “Gumbo” Bean, who
could weave his way through a defence like no other.
A great footballer who was probably one of the most
humble, great athletes I had ever come to know, and


Bermuda House of Assembly just a great gentleman, and that wasn’t lost on him. I
worked with his brother at Gosling Brothers. It's a wonderful family. May he rest in peace.
[Timer chimes]

Good morning, Madam Deputy
Speaker. Thank you for recognising me, and good
morning, colleagues.
Madam Deputy Speaker, just previously, the
term ageing population was used, and I'm here standing on my feet to send some congratulations to some
of my ageing constituents. All in their 90s, all in their
90s.
The first one is Ms. Thelma Smith from Jones
Village, who went 92 on Saturday. And then there was Ms. Dorothy Latimore from Whale View Lane, who
went 96, in fact, today. It's today.

I wish to send congratulations to
all of them, but while I'm on my feet, Madam Deputy
Speaker, I would like to be associated with the condolences to my very good friend, Ralph “Gumbo” Bean.
The young Minister only mentioned North Village that
he played fo r, but I can certainly attest to Ralph
“Gumbo” Bean playing for Devonshire Lions, and
against me at one time, scoring a hat trick. So I certainly
want to associate with those condolences and wish his family all the best on his passing. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker. First, I realise that the whole House was associated with the condolences to Mr. Ralph “Gumbo”
Bean, but I specifically wanted to get up and just simply
express my personal condolences to his family.
Most of his, certainly his younger family, grandchildren
and even his children, wouldn't know me, but certainly
his wife and some of the others will, because I was one
of those children that was dragged around to football
games —every football game that North Village probably played, I was likely at between . . . sometime in the
1970s.
My family were staunch North Village supporters. I have seen Ralph “Gumbo” Bean play more times
than I can count. So, I just wanted to express condolences specifically from me to his family.
Also, Mr. Tyrrell, sorry, I don't remember what
constituency he's in—

His favourite aunt, I beg your pardon, I stand corrected. I believe that is Ursula Tyrrell
who used to work at Conyers, and I love her.
I also used to work at Conyers, and she is an
absolute lovely lady. So I would like to associate MP
Scott Pearman as well. Ms. Tyrrell is absolutely a fantastic lady, and I can understand why she is his favourite aunt. So, thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker, to my colleagues, and to the listening audience.
I would like to take the opportunity today to give
congratulations to Dr. Yannick Majumair, who happens
to be my daughter, who just finished her medical degree and graduated from the Wake Forest University
Medical School. It was truly an honour to be present, and she also completed four years of having served as
Dean's Ambassador. At Wake Forest , each incoming
class, an outstanding student is selected to serve on
the admissions committee and as Dean's Ambassador.
And I'd like to congratulate her on her acco mplishment
and wish her well as she begins her residency in the
field of neurology.
I would also like to take the opportunity toda y
and congratulate our colleague, Bishop Dr. Leroy Bean, on his accomplishment on his recent graduation
from Regents University with a Doctor of Philosophy
degree in the area of psychology and counselling
852 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly studies with an emphasis on trauma and crisis. And
also, to congratulate him and applaud him on the work
that he continues to do in this community.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I
yield. Thank you.

Thank you, Member.
Are there any other Members who wish to
speak?
I recognise the member from constituency 29.
Member, you have the floor.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker, last week I asked the
House to give congratulations to the Bermuda Snooker League for bringing the International Snooker League
tournament to Bermuda. Well, it finished last night, and
I have to give thanks to the Bermuda Snooker Asso ciation's team, Paul and Victoria Fedden, Steven Bremar, my partner in the doubles championship, of which
we are currently defending champions. And, of course,
I declare my interest, as my sister, Penny, also is on
that committee.
I would also like to declare some further interest in thanking my partners at Island Construction for supporting the tournament, along with the Bermuda
Tourism Authority and the Minister for their support.
Last night, Madam Deputy Speaker, three- times worl d
champion and current runner -up world champion Mark
Williams scored, and if anyone knows anything about snooker, there are 15 red balls and six coloured balls,
all of different value. The highest score one can make
is 147. That means when they shoot, they pool every
red ball and a black ball to go with each, and then pool
the six coloured balls, which have to be pooled in a specific succession. And if you do that, you score 147.
He actually did it twice last night, which was unbelievable. I do not know if it has ever been done before
in such a short period of time by one player. So, it was absolutely phenomenal, and I would like to thank his
coach, Lee [Walker], for also coming to Bermuda, and for them being really responsible for bringing almost 50
visitors to the Island. Half of them are repeat visitors.
So, we are looking at . . . this has been an unprecedented tournament with this many visitors, and it seems
to be growing and growing as time passes.
So, I would certainly like to thank Paul and his
team at the Bermuda Snooker Association for bringing
people to Bermuda.

[Inaudible interjection]
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I did.
I declare another interest, I did play the champion myself last night, and I scored one point before he cleaned the table on me.

[Laughter]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But I will say that everyone
that he played had one or two shots, maybe three. I
think Steven Bremar, who is the current . . . he won the
scratch tournament, by the way. But I think he poole d
the most balls, and I think he made a 15 break, and that
was his total score, and that was it.
But he was certainly a phenomenal person to
watch, and I thank him and his team. Thank you.
[Timer chimes]

Thank you.
Are there any other Members who wish to
speak?
I recognise the Member from constituency 12.
Member, you have the floor.

Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes. Thank you, Madam
Deputy Speaker. I just want to say congratulations —
happy birthday to our youngest member in the House, MP Dwayne Robinson.
[Desk thumping]

Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: It's his birthday. Unfortunately, he's at work right at the moment. I know he's
listening because he's been going back and forth with
me, but happy birthday to him.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Sorry? Yes, yes, yes. No, I'll
leave that up to you, Minister.
And to the Minister of Tourism and also Culture, I just wanted to say that May 24
th was a lovely day.
I know that we expected a bit of rain, but to all of the
participants and for the Minister for putting on a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate Bermuda Day and to


Bermuda House of Assembly see all of the wonderful festivities that took place. It was
really, really a proud day to be Bermudian. Thank you.

Thank you, Member.
Are there any other Members who wish to
speak?
I recognise the Member from constituency 18.
Premier, you have the floor.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam
Deputy Speaker, and good morning to you.
I wish to be associated with the condolences
which were offered by the Minister of Tourism,
Transport, Culture and Sport on asking for a letter to be sent to the family of the late “Gumbo” Bean. And certainly, would like to associate myself with those part icular remarks.
In addition to that, I'd like to associate myself
to the condolences that were offered for the late Mr.
Ambrose Scott. As you would know, someone who well
known to many of us, the former caretaker of Camden.
In addition to that also is the father to the as sistant to
the Minister of Finance and also the Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Carol Martin. And
so certainly would like to be associated with those remarks. His home going service will be at the St. Paul
AME Church this weekend and to celebrate a life well
lived, unquestionably.
Finally, I would like to be associated with the
congratulations that have been offered to the Minister
of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport and to his
team at the Department of Culture and for all the work that went into this weekend's Bermuda Day fest ivities.
I think it's important to note, Madam Deputy
Speaker, that there is a lot of work that goes into putting on a Bermuda Day holiday. And I know upon the Minister's appointment, one of the things, it is his favourite
holiday. Mine is Cup Match, his is Bermuda Day. But
on that particular holiday, he had come in as Minister of
Culture with a goal to expand the parade, to make sure
there are more participants, to make sure there's more
support that was offered. And to see the wide range of
groups who came back, t he spectacular costumes. It's
interesting, people complain about the length of the parade with the record amount —not the record, but the
significant number of entries that were in the parade.
But those entries would not have been there without the
hard wor k of the Minister and his particular team. So
certainly, want to extend congratulations to him.
And also associate with the congratulations to
the first -time winner, Mr. Sean Trott. This year was the
first year that I was not at the finish line of the Bermuda
Day Marathon, as I like to spend it with my family. But what I would say is that Mr. Trott has been a runner -up
for many times. Perseverance and endurance certainly
paid off. And congratulations to him on his first Bermuda Day half marathon derby victory.
And as I extend the congratulations to, or offer
my congratulations to the Minister and his team, I also want to offer congratulations to the half marathon derby committee led by my constituent, Dr. Gina Tucker. And all of those persons who worked to make sure that the
atmosphere on Court Street for the closing of that race,
including Mr. Elmore Warren, was a great success.
So well done for all, and happy to be associated with those remarks, Madam Deputy Speaker.

I do believe we have two Bills to
be introduced.
Premier?

GOVERNMENT BILLS

CUSTOM TARIFF AMENDMENT ACT 2025

LAND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2025

Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam
Deputy Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I am introducing the
following two Bills, which according to section 36.3 of
the Bermuda Constitution require the Governor's recommendation so they may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting.
The first is the Custom Tariff Amendment Act
2025 and the second is the Land Tax Amendment Act
2025.

Good morning, Members. We will be
starting this debate in the Committee of Supply at about
(what time is it?) 11:12 am. This is a five- hour debate.
Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of Supply for further consideration of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year 2025/26.
Heads 83, 6, 7, 12, 88 under the Ministry of National
Security. The Minister in charge is the Honourable Michael Weeks, JP, MP.
Minister, you have the floor.

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good morning, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you very much, Minister.
Are there any Members that do not agree?
There are none, Minister, proceed.

HEAD 83 —MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY
HEADQUARTERS
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, it gives me
great pleasure to present the budget for Head 83, the
Ministry of National Security Headquarters found on
pages B -264 through B -267 of the Budget Book.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The mission Mr. Chairman —

Yes.

Mission

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The mission of the Ministry of
National Security is Working together to keep you safe.

Expenditure Overview

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, a total of
$4,966,000 has been allocated for this Head, which
represents an increase of $1,796,000 from the previous
year and constitutes 4 per cent of the budget allocated
for the Ministry as a whole.
The increase reflects the funding required for
various projects and initiatives the department will be
implementing, such as the Uniform ed Services Training
Programme, grants and the educational support programmes. The department will also be filling six posts
to provide critical resources in Administration, Cybersecurity and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.
Further details are provid ed in the business unit cost
analysis.
Mr. Chairman, on page B -265 of the general
summary you will note that there are four business units
within the Ministry Headquarters. The estimate for business unit 93000 for Administration is $2,797,000, an increase of $795,000 or 40 per cent. This compr ises of
$80,037 towards the salary uplift; $319,931 to cover one Security Manager, and one Information Security Systems Officer and one Cybersecurity Analyst for the
Cybersecurity Team; and one secretary for $61,929;
one political aide for $87,148; and one relief administrative assistant for $66,059. The remaining amount will
form part of the budget towards a stipend for 10 trainees for the Uniform ed Services Training Programme of
$92,836, $14,650 for staff and head of department
training, $33,000 for overseas conferences and training, $15,000 for advertising and marketing, and
$24,410 for increase in Public Radio Safety maintenance fees.


Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Chairman, business unit 93002 for the Parole Board and 93003 for the Treatment of Offenders
Board are no longer being used as both boards have
been transferred to the Ministry of Justice.
Mr. Chairman, the estimate for business unit
93004 for the Police Complaints Authority is $31,000 and has no change from the 2024/25 budget.
Mr. Chairman, the estimate for business unit
93007 for Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team is $422,000, $232,000 or 122 per cent increase over
the 2024/25 financial year. The increase is to fund one
National Events Coordinator post for $86,345, one consultant for $108,000 to oversee supply chain disaster
management and $37,655 for conferences and tab-letop exercises.
Mr. Chairman, business unit 93008 relates to
the Gang Violence Reduction Programme with an esti-mate for the financial year 2025/26 of $1,716,000. This
represents a $924,000 or 117 per cent increase over
the financial year 2024/25. The increase will fund educational programmes for individuals, counselling for
victims of violence, work placement programmes to
provide an alternative to gang activity and grants to
fund community programmes in sporting clubs and
community -based entities.

Revenue Overview

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Liquor Licence Authority was transferred to the Ministry of Justice in September 2024; however, the payment of fees
and collection of revenue continued with the Ministry of National Security until 31 March 2025. As shown on
page B -266, t he adjusted revenue projection for
2024/25 was $1,012,000, a $99,000, or 11 per cent increase over the projected revenue collection of
$913,000. As of 31 March 2025, [$997,667] was collected, a $14,333 decrease over the adjusted revenue
projection.

Subjective Analysis

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Subjective
Analysis of Current Account Estimates of the Ministry
of National Security is found on page B -266. I will highlight the material object code descriptions increases
and decreases.
Salaries increased by $705,000. This is attributable to the three posts to be filled to provide ad-ministrative services to the Minister and Permanent
Secretary, the Cybersecurity Board and the Police
Complaints Authority. The Cybersecurity Team will
have t hree more funded team members to bolster the
cybersecurity efforts, and the Disaster Risk Reduction
and Mitigation Team will be fully funded for the National
Disaster Coordinator and the National Events Coordinator.
The decrease in wages of $279,000 is attributed to the Ministry not having the Uniform ed Services Training Programme in progress. The plan-ning and design for this programme are well advanced and we are hoping to launch it during this fiscal year.
The funding in the amount of $371,344 for the cohort
for the financial year 2025/26 will be allocated to Pro-fessional Services.
Professional Services saw an increase of
$1,098,000. Mr. Chairman, $687,664 will be used towards marketing of anti -violence messaging, educational bursaries and counselling services and $371,344
will be used towards a stipend for two cohorts of 10
people for the Uniform ed Services Recruitment Programme and $38,992 for the part -time teachers of the
programme.
The increase of $171,000 for other expenses
will be allocated as follows: $30,000 will be allocated towards the Mothers on a Mission (MOM) Group to provide resources for support services to mothers of victims of gang violence and $26,590 for safe house, ai rfare and emergency passports for individuals in imminent danger of gang violence. Cybersecurity costs include $2,000 for subscriptions, $8,000 for penetration
testing and $80,000 for centralised logging and moni-toring system and $24,410 towards an increas e in public safety radio network fees.

Capital Expenditure
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, as shown on
page C -14, the Ministry received $1,140,000 for capital
acquisitions. Mr. Chairman, $177,782 will be used towards the upgrades of the Island -wide public safety radio network and $962,218 will be geared towards the
completion of the C CTV network and the start of the
Speed Camera system. As I have previously reported
to this Honourable House, the installation of the Speed
Camera system is contingent upon the complete installation of the CCTV network.

Manpower

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The department’s increase of
six full- time equivalents reflects the increase in funding
of three posts for administrative support, and three posts for the Cybersecurity Unit.

Performance Measures by Business Unit
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, I am pleased
to report the outcomes of the department’s forecasted
performance measures for fiscal year 2024/25 that
were largely achieved. These are found on page B -267.

Business Unit 93000, Title Administration

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: This business unit is responsible for providing support to the departments in the
form of policy development, project management, financial oversight and cybersecurity governance. One
856 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly of the key functions of the Cybersecurity Team is to development and implement policies. During the 2024/25
fiscal period, the team achieved 80 per cent of approving Information Systems Risk Management Pro-gramme Policies and are as follows
• Policies for the updated Cybersecurity Act, Cybersecurity Regulations, and Computer Misuse
Act were finalised and approved by Cabinet.
• The Cybersecurity Act and Computer Misuse
Act based on approved policies were drafte d
and approved by Parliament.
• The updated Information Systems Risk Management Programme Policy has been developed and is awaiting review by the Cybersecurity Advisory Board and Cabinet Cybersecurity
Committee.
The Ministry conducted monthly meetings both
in a formal and informal setting with its Heads of Departments (HODs) and DEOD Manager. The formal
meetings were held to provide Heads of Departments
with pertinent information that included:
• updates from the Public Service Executive;
• updates on the status of Cabinet Memoran-dum;
• update DEOD primarily around recruitment and the status of the exercises; and
• financial updates relating to budget, year -end
and procurement.
In addition, the department heads provided updates on the major activities taking place in their respective departments. The informal meetings were designed to encourage an exchange of ideas and brainstorming in a relaxed setting on any topic.

Business Unit 93007, Disaster Risk Reduction
and Mitigation

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: This business unit is responsible for the oversight of stakeholders’ completion of disaster recovery plans. The team is also integral in
staging disaster exercises and the coordination of entities during times of disaster such as before, during and
after hurricanes.
Between April and September 2024, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team (DRRMT) ad-vanced Bermuda’s national disaster preparedness and operational resilience through a range of strategic initiatives, legislative support efforts, stakeholder engagements, and critical operational developments.
A substantial focus was placed on strengthening disaster readiness and emergency management
operations. Key activities included the planning, coordination, and execution of the Port Security Tabletop
Exercise [TTX] as well as participation in the Government House -hosted Sanctions [TTX]. These exercises
were designed to enhance inter -agency coordination,
develop operational readiness, and refine information
extraction processes through structured scenario debriefs. Preparations and assessments of the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) room at the
Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) remained ongoing to ensure that technical systems, infrastructure, and operational capabilities remained missionready.
Mr. Chairman, in addition to exercise and operational readiness work, the DRRMT contributed to
the advancement of Bermuda’s legislative framework
by assisting in the further development of Disaster
Management and Emergency Measures Legislation.
This suppor ted efforts to modernise Bermuda’s legal
basis for national disaster response, ensuring that contemporary principles and operational best practices are
reflected in statutory frameworks.
The DRRMT also developed a comprehensive
business case for the establishment of an all -encompassing Emergency Measures Operations Centre
(EMOC). In support of this initiative, the team drafted
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide the
management, f unctionality, and activation of an operations centre. Further, SOPs for the oversight and operation of the Public Safety Radio Network were prepared, ensuring that communications resilience re-mains a priority across Bermuda’s emergency response infrastruct ure.
Mr. Chairman, to strengthen operational readiness across government and community partners, the DRRMT conducted extensive hurricane season preparedness activities. This included engagement with government agencies to verify hurricane response inventories, inspections of hardware store supply chains to
confirm capacity under disaster scenarios, and consultations with telecommunications infrastructure managers to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen response
plans. The team also worked directly with stakeholders
responsible for road clearing and tree cutting operations, ensuring these critical recovery resources were
coordinated and prepared.
Weather monitoring activities continued
throughout the Atlantic hurricane season, with the team maintaining active situational awareness and providing timely updates to leadership. The team also contributed
to the updating and development of key operational
documents, including the EMO procedural guides. Shelter readiness assessments were completed in collaboration with key agencies, further reinforcing Bermuda’s emergency posture.
Mr. Chairman, strategic research initiatives advanced significantly during the reporting period. Nota-bly, the team pursued evaluation of national emergency
alerting systems, explored enhancements to Bermuda’s public emergency messaging capabilities, and
initiated preliminary planning for Bermuda’s National
Risk Register (NRR). Work focused on disaster preparedness for vulnerable populations, aligning national
planning efforts with a commitment to inclusive and equitable disaster risk reduction.
Mr. Chairman, stakeholder engagement remained a cornerstone of DRRMT operations. The team


Bermuda House of Assembly participated actively in numerous forums, including Port
Security Meetings focused on maritime and infrastructure vulnerabilities, Supply Chain Meetings to ensure
critical goods continuity during disasters, and Public
Health preparedness meetings aimed at strengthening
the health sector's resilience to emergencies.
Furthermore, the DRRMT took responsibility
for maintaining Bermuda’s Emergency Broadcast Stu-dio, ensuring that public communication systems were
operational and reliable. The team chaired the Public
Safety Radio Users Group, providing leadership in coordin ating multiple agencies’ use of the radio network
and addressing critical issues promptly. International
engagement continued through FCDO Disaster Man-ager briefings and UK Met Office hurricane updates,
ensuring Bermuda remained closely connected with
global resilience efforts.
The DRRMT supported critical incident response during the period, particularly following the im-pacts of Hurricane Ernesto. The team coordinated
stakeholders in the rapid repair and restoration of the
Public Safety Radio Network, ensuring critical communications infrastructure was brought back online efficiently. Additionally, the team conducted high- level
meetings to plan for the potential impacts of a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), focusing on continuity of operations and mit igating potential disruptions to Bermuda’s import -dependent supply
chain.
Mr. Chairman, in summary, the Disaster Risk
Reduction and Mitigation Team’s demonstrated a commitment to national resilience, operational excellence, legislative modernisation, stakeholder collaboration,
and international best practice alignment. Through d isaster preparedness activities, legislative support,
stakeholder engagement, operational support, infrastructure maintenance, and strategic research, the
team significantly advanced Bermuda’s disaster risk reduction objectives and strengthened its national emergency management framework.

Policy Development and Strategic Planning

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, we drafted
and submitted the National Risk Register (NRR) with
Phase 1 training completed in February 2025. A PowerPoint presentation was shared with stakeholders,
and the second phase is currently being scheduled. We
worked with Policy Analysts to addres s legislative concerns regarding the authority to declare a disaster, ensuring alignment with the Governor’s existing powers.

Operational Frameworks and SOPs

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: We developed and submitted
EMO Operations Centre Standard Operating Procedures, drafted the Public Safety Radio Standard Operating Procedures in collaboration with BPS and Corrections. We initiated a comprehensive Event Safety Framework and event checklists, including oversight of
major national events such as the PGA Golf Tour, Chubb Race Weekend, Cup Match, and Bermuda Day
preparations.

Community Preparedness and Exercises

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: We coordinated participation
in Exercise Caribe Wave (March 2025), with a debrief
scheduled for April 10. We engaged in planning and
evaluating cruise ship tabletop exercises and mass rescue operations in partnership with Marine Operations
and UK/US Coast Guard support.
We hosted Hurricane Preparedness Planning
sessions to address vegetation management, worksite safety, and post -strike coordination across utilities and
public works and continued evacuation planning for
Ferry Reach, incorporating emergency plans from
stake holders like Rubis and SOL.

Business Unit 93000, Title Administration

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: This business unit is responsible for Gang Violence Reduction Team 2025 Update.
Mr. Chairman, in 2025, the Gang Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) continues to stand as a beacon of resilience and transformation, leading Bermuda’s
fight against gang violence and youth disenfranchisement. In a time where communities face deep -roote d
social inequalities, fractured family systems, and barriers to opportunity, the GVRT, under the leadership of our Bishop Leroy Bean, (now Dr. Bishop) MP has remained unwavering in its mission: to intervene, uplift,
and empower.
The GVRT is not simply a response mechanism —it is a force of intentional change, working to dismantle cycles of violence and rebuild pathways toward hope and healing. Through tailored interventions and
robust outreach efforts, the GVRT has embedded itself
in schools, communities, workplaces, and homes,
meeting individuals where they are and walking with
them toward better futures.
Mr. Chairman, the core mission of the GVRT
remains focused on:
• Guiding individuals away from delinquent peer
groups and toxic environments.
• Transforming behaviour patterns of those involved in gang activity and fostering reintegration into society.
• Preventing youth gang involvement by restor-ing social and familial bonds.
• Opening employment pathways for marginalised youth.
• Connecting individuals with mental and social
health resources.
• Strengthening interpersonal relationships and
community accountability.


858 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly School Outreach

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Acknowledging that schools
often serve as recruitment grounds for gang activity, the GVRT has amplified its school presence across the
island. This year, our outreach included
• Daily High School Lunch Engagements: Regular presence at school lunch hours, offering mentorship and informal check -ins.
• Restorative Mediation Sessions: De- escalating
tensions and promoting peaceful resolution among students.
• Incident Response and Crisis Management:
Post -incident school support, planning, and security assessments.
• Case Management and Tailored Youth Ses-sions: Individualised support plans and interventions for vulnerable students.
• Small Group Programming: Targeted skill -
building and emotional resilience workshops.

Early Intervention: “I AM” & G.R.E.A.T. Programmes

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Early engagement has
proven pivotal in changing life trajectories.
The “I Am” Programme highlights:
• Launched in 10 schools, with a new curriculum
piloted at Dellwood Middle School.
• Over 116 structured sessions have been held
from September 2023 to June 2024. Eighty -
eight sessions were delivered between September 2024 and April 2025.
• One hundred and sixty -two boys across nine
primary schools and one middle school has
participated.
• Thirty -five crisis supports, 36 mediation sessions, and 140 individualised supports delivered.

G.R.E.A.T. Programme

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: G.R.E.A.T. stands for, Mr.
Chairman, Gang Resistance Education and Training.
• Continues to engage primary school boys with
structured, values -based education aimed at
fostering resilience and resistance to gang influence.

Work Placement and Mentoring Programme (WPMP)

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Bridging school to work -
force:
• Fifteen youth participants, with 14 completing
the eight -week placement.
• One hundred and thirty job coaching sessions
provided personalised support.
• 85 per cent business partner satisfaction and
interest in future participation. • Eight youth received extended paid work; four
secured jobs post -programme.
• There was no involvement in antisocial or criminal activity throughout the programme.
• 100 per cent of parents observed positive
growth in their children.

Redemption Programme: A Path to
Personal Reinvention

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: In 2024/25, the Redemption
Programme continued as a transformative space for
young men:
• Eighteen trainees completed the 25- week programme.
• One hundred and thirty -seven one- on-one
case management and job coaching sessions
were conducted.
• Seventy -six sessions on career, personal development, and job readiness.
• Six secured employment; one enrolled at Bermuda College; one entered university.
• Ten crisis interventions managed with ongoing
support for four active participants.

Street -Level Outreach and Case Management

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Serving 78 young adults
(ages 18 to 35):
• Tailored, client -centred case management addressing housing, employment, legal, and
mental health needs.
• Safe housing, relocation support, prison visits,
and court advocacy have been offered.
• Quarterly community mediations and inter -
agency collaborations facilitated systemic wraparound care.
Mr. Chairman, in the aftermath of violence,
when fear grips families and uncertainty ripples through
neighbourhoods, it is the Coordinated Crisis Response
Team (CCRT) that steps forward to restore peace, stabilise emotions, and help communities begin the p rocess of healing.
Functioning as a rapid -response arm of the
Gang Violence Reduction Team, the CCRT is mobilised immediately following serious violent incidents —
whether a shooting, stabbing, or other traumatic event.
The team is composed of experienced professionals and trusted community figures who work together to
deliver compassionate, coordinated support in real -
time.
In the past year, the CCRT was activated following 28 violent incidents requiring hospital -based intervention, and an additional one community activation
in response to heightened tensions on the ground. In
total, the team delivered 104 targeted post -incid ent
support sessions to survivors, close friends, and immediate family members impacted by violence.


Bermuda House of Assembly Gang Violence Reduction Team: Leading the National
Violence Reduction Strategy

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, today, I am
pleased to provide an update on the significant progress made since the launch of Bermuda’s National Violence Reduction Strategy (NVRS) —a strategic framework that marks a bold step forward in addressing violence in our community through prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation.

Go right ahead, Minister.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: It is important to note, Mr.
Chairman, that the Gang Violence Reduction Team
(GVRT), under the Ministry of National Security, was
not only instrumental in developing this strategy but
also led its drafting and presentation to Cabinet and the
House of Assembly. The NVRS was officially tabled in
the House on 15 November 2024 and passed with full
support following a debate on 6 December 2024.

Strategic Leadership and Governance Framework
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: To ensure effective implementation, the NVRS is structured across three operational tiers:
1. National Violence Reduction Steering Committee (NVRSC). Chaired by the Minister of National Security and composed of Permanent
Secretaries from the Ministries of National Security, Health, Education, Legal Affairs, and
Youth, Social Development and Seniors . This
committee meets regularly and ensures highlevel alignment and resource coordination across ministries.
Bear with me, Mr. Chairman.

Not a problem at all, Minister.
Just to remind Members that we are in Committee of Supply for further consideration of the Esti-mates and Revenue and Expenditure for the year
2025/26.
We are now debating heads in the Ministry of National Security, Heads 83, 6, 7, 12, and 88. The Hon-ourable Michael Weeks, JP, MP, is in charge.
Minister, you have the floor.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
2. Inter-Agency Gang Enforcement Team (IGET).
Focused on intelligence- led enforcement and
coordinated interventions, IGET works closely
with law enforcement, the courts, and other agencies to mitigate gang activity in real time.
3. Inter-Agency Community Response (IGCR).
This prevention- focused tier drives education,
youth engagement, and community partnerships to disrupt the root causes of violence.
Major Programme Highlights Under the NVRS
Educational and Vocational Pathways
(Empowering Futures)

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Addressing root causes such
as economic disenfranchisement, the NVRS has prioritised access to education and job training:
• GED Programme: In partnership with C.A.R.E.
Learning Centre, grants are being issued to
youth pursuing their GEDs. Discussions with
the Adult Education School are underway to
further expand access.
• Workforce Development: In collaboration with
the Ministry of Economy and Labour, appren-ticeships and industry certifications are being
provided in high -demand sectors.
• Bermuda College Sponsorships: A new initia-tive is underway to sponsor associate degrees
or certifications for youth from underserved
backgrounds.

New GVRT Staff and Sports -Based
Violence Prevention

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: A new GVRT team member
has been hired to implement violence reduction strategies within local sports clubs, leveraging athletics as a
vehicle for positive engagement and gang prevention.

Public Messaging and Youth Engagement
Stop the Violence Campaign—March 2025

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: In collaboration with 7 South
Productions, a multimedia campaign will launch across
Bermuda featuring:
• video reels and podcasts;
• student -led campaigns on social media;
• mental health and anti -violence messaging by
youth for youth.
We have a plan to recognise that safe spaces
are essential for prevention. To that end, the NVRS is also:
• Funding youth- centred organisations such as
Transitional Community Services, Future Leaders, The Family Centre, Women’s Resource Centre, and Money Muse to scale their
outreach and impact for groups working directly with young people.

Conclusion

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: In conclusion, Mr. Chairman,
the National Violence Reduction Strategy represents
our Government’s clear and coordinated response to
the crisis of violence. The Gang Violence Reduction Team remains at the heart of this mission—not only as
the strategy’s author but as its most consistent engine
for impact.
860 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly With over 80 strategic actions already underway, this work is changing lives and rebuilding communities. Through education, mentorship, crisis response,
and real opportunities, the GVRT is leading Bermuda
toward a future that is safer, more resilient, and filled
with hope.
We extend our deepest appreciation to all
stakeholders, ministries, and community partners. To-gether, we are building a Bermuda where every young
person has a reason to be hopeful —and has a path to
succeed.

Plans for the Upcoming Year

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Ministry of
National Security is developing the Uniformed Services
Training Programme (USTP) as a strategic initiative to
address long -standing recruitment challenges within
Bermuda’s uniformed services. The programme is designed to support Bermudians who narrowly fall short
of the academic or physical fitness requirements for entry into the services. Open to individuals aged 18 to 49,
the Uniformed Services Training Programme will provide targeted training and devel opment aimed at increasing the pool of qualified, service- ready candidates.
Mr. Chairman, the programme will be delivered
over a three- month period at Warwick Camp and will
include a structured combination of academic instruc-tion, physical fitness training, and personal and professional development. Participants will engage in modules focused on numeracy and literacy skills, interview and résumé preparation, and character development,
alongside familiarisation placements within the Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Ser-vice, Customs Department, and the Department of Co rrections. The curriculum is currently under development, with input from professional training experts to
ensure alignment with the operational and cultural expectations of Bermuda’s uniformed services. Participants in the programme will also receive financial compensation during their training period.
Mr. Chairman, the Ministry will deliver two cohorts of the programme during the 2025/26 fiscal year,
with each cohort comprising up to 10 participants. The
first cohorts will be populated by individuals who were
recently unsuccessful in recruitment process es and
narrowly missed the qualifying thresholds. These individuals will be directly invited to apply to the programme. The initial cohort will serve as a pilot, allowing
the Ministry to refine delivery based on participant outcomes and operational feedbac k. The programme also
benefits from the support of internal government resources, making it both cost -effective and sustainable.
The Uniformed Services Training Programme
represents a significant investment in the future of Ber-muda’s public safety infrastructure. By focusing on
trainable individuals who demonstrate potential but
have not yet met entry standards, the programme enhances recruitment outcomes, strengthens organisational resilience, and promotes meaningful opportu-nities for Bermudians to serve their community with
pride and professionalism.
Mr. Chairman, as we look at the year ahead,
the Gang Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) will remain
a central pillar in the ongoing implementation of the National Violence Reduction Strategy (NVRS). As both architects of the strategy and active agents of its d elivery,
the GVRT continues to be a driving force behind Bermuda’s efforts to reduce violence and build a safer,
more inclusive society.
The GVRT’s work is not theoretical. It is practical, personal, and profoundly impactful. Through education, mentorship, crisis response, and real -life opportunities, the GVRT is changing lives, restoring communities, and guiding young people toward hope and purpose. Our next steps reflect a commitment to deepening this impact and expanding the reach of our programmes in alignment with the eight strategic goals of
the NVRS.
Mr. Chairman, the GVRT will:
• Continue leading and implementing core violence prevention initiatives in direct alignment
with the NVRS, serving as key stakeholders
across all three strategic tiers of the National
Violence Reduction Strategy (Steering Committee, Inter -Agency Gang Enforc ement, and
Inter-Agency Community Response teams).
• Support community -based prevention and
early intervention through:
o Grants to sports clubs to provide afterschool homework assistance, life skills
development, and violence prevention
workshops for young people.
o Funding youth- centred organisations
that offer trauma- informed, wraparound support to vulnerable children
and families.
o Expanded counselling services and
therapeutic programmes to address
mental health needs and support emo-tional healing for people affected by violence or violent incidents.
• Launch the “Stop the Violence” multimedia
campaign in collaboration with 7 South Productions, featuring:
o Video reels, short films, and podcasts
o Student -led social media campaigns
o Messaging that addresses gang violence, emotional health, and youth empowerment
• Host the “Stop the Violence” Youth Conference this June where students from across the Island will be mentored by local creatives to design and present youth- led anti -violence campaigns, while reinforcing peer advocacy and
resilience.


Bermuda House of Assembly • Expand our Youth Mentoring and Work Placement Programme, supporting 25 students with
employment readiness, mentorship, and workplace experience in a safe, structured setting.
• Grow the Redemption Programme to suppor t
25 young men through a 20- week curriculum of
personal growth, life skills training, conflict resolution, and career exposure.
• Advance educational and vocational pathways
under the Empowering Futures initiative, which
includes:
o GED programmes in partnership with
C.A.R.E and discussions to expand offerings through the Adult Education
School.
o Apprenticeships and industry certifications through the Ministry of Economy
and Labour and other local training
programmes and partnerships.
o Associate degrees and certifications
through new sponsorships at Bermuda
College.
• Support the broader NVRS implementation, in-cluding:
o Violence prevention workshops for
community leaders and service providers.
o Parenting support programmes, including culturally relevant workshops
and targeted fatherhood support
groups.
o “Through -the-gate” re -entry support
packages for individuals transitioning
from incarceration, tied to community -
based care models.
o Community roundtables to gather feedback, build local partnerships, and
identify service gaps.
• Uphold the NVRS Monitoring and Evaluation
Framework, ensuring every action taken is guided by measurable goals, accountability,
and evidence- based practices to deliver meaningful results.
Mr. Chairman, the Gang Violence Reduction
Team will continue to serve on the frontline—offerin g
guidance, intervention, and opportunity to those who
need it most. We remain committed to working with all
stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of the National Violence Reduction Strategy and, most importantly, to build a Bermuda where safety, dignity, and
opportunity are not the exception, but the expectation.
Mr. Chairman, that ends my presentation on
Head 83—Ministry Headquarters.

Yes, go right ahead.

HEAD 6 —DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, found on
pages B -268 through B -272 of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.
Mr. Chairman, it gives me great pleasure to
present the budget for Head 6, the Department of Defence, found on pages B -268 through B -272 of the
Budget Book.

Mission
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The mission of the Royal Bermuda Regiment is, To provide military resources in order to protect Bermuda’s interests .
Mr. Chairman, under the authority of the Defence Act 1965, the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s mandate is to be a military force maintaining the necessary
standards of manpower, training, and equipment, to enable it to protect Bermuda’s interests at home and overseas. It conducts its training and operations whilst also
acting as a centre of excellence for all Bermudians and
residents to be able to personally and professionally
develop whilst serving their country.

Department Objectives
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the department objectives, which can be found on pages B -268
and B -269, are as follows:
• Force Protection —Measures and means to
minimise the vulnerability of personnel, facilities, equipment, material, operations and activities from threats and hazards in order to preserve freedom of action and operational effectiveness thereby contributing to mission success.
• Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Relief —The organised response to alleviate the results of a ca-tastrophe, the consequences of which put lives
and livelihoods at risk and exceeds the responsible agency’s ability to cope using its own resources.
• State Ceremonial —Provide state ceremonial
and musical support for the government and to
862 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly promote Bermuda, through ceremonial parades, national events and musical displays, as
we saw this past weekend, Mr. Chairman—

Yes, we did. They did a fine job.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: —for Bermuda Day. Thank
you, sir.
• International Assistance—Upon request, the
Regiment will provide military skills and resources to assist UN, NATO, regional, or inter-national peace support operations or training
thereby enhancing Bermuda’s reputation in the
international community.
• Enhancing Bermuda Society —The Regiment
will continue to provide an important role in
supporting the integration and development of
Bermudian society.
• Coast Guard —In order to secure Bermuda’s
territorial waters out to 12 nautical miles and
eventually to defend the EEZ (200 nautical
miles), in compliance with the Defence (Coast
Guard Unit) Amendment Act 2018 and international obligations, the Royal Bermud a Regiment will expand its full -time Coast Guard capability that can achieve the following man-dates:
o Law enforcement of Bermuda’s inshore waters.
o Search and rescue coordinated by the
Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre.
o Support HM Customs to interdict marine smuggling operations.
o Support the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to enforce fisheries regulations.
o Support the Department of Marine and
Ports to enforce maritime regulations
and ensure maritime border and port
security.

Expenditure Overview

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, a total of
$9,810,000 has been allocated for this head, which represents an increase of $982,443 from the previous
year, and constitutes 8 per cent of the budget allocated
for the Ministry as a whole.
The total current expenditure is estimated to be
$9,809,000 for 2025/26 and represents an increase of
$982,400 or approximately 11 per cent, higher than the
budget of 2024/25. This change is due primarily to an
increase in full -time staff salaries in line with Government -wide increases, part -time wages, transport,
travel, and operational expenses with additional ex-penditure focused on the Coast Guard, St. David’s sub -
station. This increase will allow the Royal Bermuda
Regiment to return to its original ful l-time equivalent
and allow the Royal Bermuda Regiment to support training and operations, in accordance with the Commanding Officer’s directive and our Throne Speech ini-tiatives.

Business Unit 16000, Finance

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Finance
cost centre covers the Defence Department which holds three civilian full -time staff and one Regiment full -
time staff and serves as the accounting function for the
Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR).
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $358,000,
which represents an increase of $15,000, or 4 per cent
when compared to the last fiscal year. This is solely due to the salary uplift.

Business Unit 16005, Recruitment

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Recruitment cost centre covers the advertising, promotion,
and related recruiting expenses.
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $94,000,
which is a decrease of $21,000, or 18 per cent from the
2024/25 financial year. The sole contribution to this is
the reorganisation of the Regiment, which resulted in
the wages being reallocated to cost centre 16030.

Business Unit 16010, Regimental Headquarters

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Regimental Headquarters cost centre covers all the Regiment
FTEs for Defence, liabilities such as employee- related
expenses and liability insurance for the marine fleet,
vehicle fleet, and public liability.
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $5,095,000
which is an increase of $640,000, or 14 per cent increase over the 2024/25 financial year. This increase is
to account for an increase in FTE salaries, rising insurance costs, and increases to medical costs for FTE s.
We have also re- funded four vacant unfunded posts.

Business Unit 16020, Quartermaster

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Quartermaster cost centre covers all the operational and logistical services for the Royal Bermuda Regiment in relation to facilities for land and sea forces.
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $1,517,000,
which is an increase of $5,000, or less than 1.0 per cent
(0.7 per cent, actually) over the 2024/25 financial year.
This is due to the transfer of Medics and Communications to Headquarters under the new reorganisation.
Given the increases to the cost of goods and materials,
this is not a dramatic increase. We have reduced training time to meet the budget ceiling, without any impact
on operational readiness of troops.




Bermuda House of Assembly Business Unit 16030, Ceremonial

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Ceremo -
nial cost centre covers the ceremonial and the human-itarian and disaster relief training expenses. In addition
to this, 16030 now covers the cost of Headquarter
Company under the new organisation. This includes
the Band, Medics, Co mmunications, and public engagement aspects of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $352,000,
which is an increase of $64,000 or a 22 per cent increase over the 2024/25 financial year. This is due to
an increase in the part -time soldier’s wages and increase in soldier numbers with the new reorganisation.
We have reduced training time to meet the budget ceiling, without any impact on operational readiness.

Business Unit 16040, Internal Security

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Internal
Security cost centre covers the training expenses related to internal security and military aid to civil authority.
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $235,000,
which is an increase of $10,000, or a 4 per cent increase over the 2024/25 financial year.
Business Unit 16060, Bermuda Cadet Corp/Junior
Leaders

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Bermuda
Cadet Corp cost centre covers the training and youth
engagement of the Junior Leaders programme. As part
of the curriculum, staff of the Royal Bermuda Regiment
facilitate adventure training, drill, camp craft and similar military activities to young Bermudians below the age
of military enlistment. The main aim is to enhance the
leadership and decision- making skills of school -age cadets in order to make them better citizens. The programme runs weekly throughout the school year and
incorporates meetings, weekend camps, and an annual
exercise.
Mr. Chairman, were you a Junior Leader?

I never had that opportunity.
Minister, as you take a short break, I will simply
say that we remain in the Committee of Supply for fur-ther consideration of the Estimates and Revenue and
Expenditure for the year 2025/26.
Minister, by note, it looks like about 20 minutes
is left before we will soon be breaking for lunch. I will let you continue. The Minister continues on Head 6, which is Defence, and he is going through 16010 all the way to, I
believe, by the time we get to the end of 20 minutes to
16085.
Minister.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
and for your service as a Police Cadet.
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $43,000,
which is a decrease of $9,000, or 17 per cent when
compared to the 2024/25 financial year. This is due to
the Commandant of the Junior Leaders becoming the
Full-Time Adjutant, and the replacement Junior Leader
Offic er is also covered by salary under the new reorganisation.

Business Unit 16075, Overseas Camp
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, this year the
overseas camp took place in Jamaica in April 2025.
Since the formation of the unit, the two -week overseas
camp has been the culmination of the annual training
cycle and remains a mandated requirement by the Governor. The exerci se provides tangible evidence that
the Royal Bermuda Regiment is fit for role and able to
operate at the scale and intensity required to complete
their missions and tasks. The complexity and range of
activities conducted, on land and at sea, are not possible to achieve within the confines of Bermuda; therefore, it is essential that the camp is conducted abroad.
It is also a primary component in the retention of Royal
Bermuda Regiment personnel as it is engaging, and an
exciting and imp actful opportunity for Bermudians to
travel abroad.
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $904,000, a
$209,000, or 30 per cent, increase over the 2024/25 financial year. This increase is due wholly to increased wages and a more expensive charter due to travelling
to Jamaica rather than North Carolina as the Royal Bermuda Regiment did in the 2024/25 financial year.

Business Unit 16080, Training and Validation

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Training
and Validation cost centre covers the expenses related
to the training of recruits and promotion courses. To ensure our military personnel are current, qualified and
competent, it is essential that the selection and training
system provides development and assessment opportunities at all levels, for all specialisms. The Training
and Validation budget ensures these courses and qualifications are delivered in the most appropriate and
cost-effective way possibl e, only seeking external instruction when it is not possible through local resources. All routine training exercises subscribe to the
UK Armed Forces recognised assurance system, the
Defence System Approach to Training, to ensure safety
and consistency.
864 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly The 2025/26 budget estimate is $555,000,
which is an increase of $20,000, or 4 per cent over the
2024/25 fiscal year.

Business Unit 16085, Marine Operations
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Marine
Operations cost centre covers the costs associated
with the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard’s operating expenses and part -time wages. The unit has 14
full-time staff, consisting of 12 soldiers and two officers.
They are support ed by part -time staff who train and operate on weekends and public holidays in order to provide safety and security on and in Bermuda’s waters 24 hours a day throughout the year.
The 2025/26 budget estimate is $657,000,
which is an increase of $50,000, or 8 per cent from the
2024/25 financial year. This is exclusively due to increases to the cost of electricity and gasoline.

Subjective Analysis

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Subjective
Analysis of Current Account Estimates of the department is found on page B -271. I will highlight the material object code increases and decreases.
Salaries have increased by $470,000, or
11 per cent for the 2025/26 financial year. This is
largely in part due to salary uplifts, and the funding of
four frozen FTEs.
Wages have increased by $69,000, or 3 per
cent, for the 2025/26 financial year. This is due to the
fact that part -time soldiers have increased alongside
the salary uplift
Employer Overhead has increased by $4,000,
or 4 per cent for the 2025/26 financial year.
Other Personnel Costs have increased by
$128,000, or 188 per cent. This is budgeted due to increased housing allowance to fall in line with BPS rates.
Travel has increased by $204,000, or 50 per
cent. This is wholly due to the increased cost of the charter flight for the overseas camp and increased
costs of flights.
Communications has increased by $5,000, or
7 per cent. This is due to the increased cost of goods
and services.
Professional Services has increased by
$18,000, or 25 per cent. This is due to the increased
cost of goods and services.
Insurance has increased by 12,000, or 15 per
cent. This is due to the increased cost of insurance Is-land-wide.
Energy has increased by $57,000, or 15 per
cent. This is due to the increased cost of gasoline and electricity, and the anticipated costs for the expansion
of the Coast Guard St. David’s facility.
Materials and Supplies has increased by
$16,000, or 4 per cent. This is due to the increased cost
of goods and services Island -wide. Capital Expenditure

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The Regiment is due to purchase a modernisation programme for the rifle range at Warwick Camp, which is utilised equally between the Royal Bermuda Regiment and Bermuda Police Service. The portable turning target system will enhance
training for both servi ces, at the cost of $21,510. Additionally, $1,300,000 has been allocated to Phase 2 of
the Coast Guard Station in St. David’s. Utilising the St.
David’s Post Office structure, this will give increased
operational coverage to the Coast Guard that will allow
more coverage of the Eastern end of the Island, as cur-rently all Coast Guard operations originate from Watford Island. Funds will be spent on renovating the building and making the site secure for military operations.
This is expecte d to be operational by the end of this
financial year.

Manpower

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Regiment
currently employs 39 full -time staff and four civilians.
With the increased budget ceiling, we are in the pro-cess of funding an additional four FTEs to re- fund vacant PIDs. This brings the total FTEs for 2025/26 to 47
which is r eflected on budget page B -271. The Coast
Guard is currently at full capacity in terms of FTEs. In
addition to the full -time staff, the Royal Bermuda Regiment part -time strength is 240. This brings our total
numbers to 279.

Performance Measures by Business Unit
16000, 16005, 16010, 16020, 16030, 16040, 16075,
16080—Finance, Recruitment, Headquarters,
Quartermaster, [HADR, MACA], Overseas Camp,
Training Wing
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Regiment
successfully completed its preparations and training for
the past Hurricane season. In February, the Regiment held a successful Recruit Camp with 27 volunteers, and
the Royal Bermuda Regiment is in the planning stages
of holding a second Recruit Camp in summer 2025
where we aim to bring in an additional 25 recruits.
In April of 2024 the Royal Bermuda Regiment
sent a contingent of [110] soldiers to North Carolina, where they represented the Island in Exercise Island
Warrior 24. They have also dispatched training teams
to deliver sub lethal Public Order training to the seven
nation Regional Security Service based in Belize. The
Regiment is also intending to send up to 121 soldiers
to Jamaica for their annual overseas camp to develop
advanced soldiering and tactical skills, alongside other
Overseas Territories Regiments f rom the Falkland Islands, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
This camp continues to be a lynchpin in cooperation
between our sister units in other British Overseas Territories, and Bermuda takes pride in the Royal Bermuda


Bermuda House of Assembly Regiments’ ability to lead and organise this on a yearly
basis.

16085—Maritime Operations
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I am pleased to report that as
of 31 March 2025, the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast
Guard has completed another successful year of operations. The unit represents a continued commitment by
the Government to provide safety and security on and
in Bermuda’s waters for recreational users and those
who depend on our Blue Economy. During the 12
months of January 2024 to December 2024, the Coast
Guard conducted 1,149 patrols, observed over 16,158 vessels, conducted 100 search and rescue missio ns,
and enforced Environmental Protection Laws such as
fishing and lobster licence checks. These are significant achievements from a relatively small resource.

I will make sure I have all in order.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Working with local and international partners, including US Coast Guard,
HM Coast Guard, and the Royal Navy, the Coast
Guard continues to provide the following services:
a) Search and rescue or recovery.
b) Interdiction of illegal maritime operations.
c) Deterring criminal activity on the water.
d) Enforcement of natural resource regulations.
e) Enforcing regulations in relation to maritime
border and port security.
Mr. Chairman, the Regiment is also mandated
to conduct the following duties:
a) Force Protection. These are the means and measures to minimise the vulnerability of people, infrastructure, and high- value assets from
threats and hazards. This ranges from military security and public order to Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
b) Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief. This is the organised military response to alleviate the
results of a man- made or natural catastrophe;
the consequences of which put lives and livelihoods at risk. Ranging from hurricanes to oil spills and fires, the p riorities are saving life, relieving suffering, and limiting damage, restor-ing essential service, and setting the conditions for recovery.
c) Ceremonial. The Regiment provides the only
local professional standard Military Band and accompanying troops to conduct National Ceremonial and Civic Events, i.e., Bermuda Day.
d) International Assistance. Upon request, the
Regiment can provide military skills and resources to assist the UN and NATO, and re-gional peace support operations or training
which enhances Bermuda’s reputation in the
international community.
e) Enhancing Bermudian Society. Since its inception, the Royal Bermuda Regiment has provided an important role by supporting the integration and development of Bermudian society
in the form of:
o A common military experience for volunteers from across Bermuda’s society.
o The opportunity to enhance life and voca-tional skills through direct provision of
training or providing funding support for
specific qualifications.
o Involvement in Regimental and wider community sporting and social activities.
o Youth engagement through Junior Leaders, and in partnership with the Bermuda Police Service the facilitation of the Outward Bound Adventure Training Centre.

Very good.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Royal Bermuda Regiment conducts many of these tasks in partnership with or in support of other Government departments, specifically the Emergency Measures Organisa-tion (EMO), Maritime Operations Centre, Department
of Environmental Protec tion, HM Customs Bermuda,
Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (DRRM) Team,
Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Fire and Rescue
Service, and Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Major Achievements for 2024/25

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, in addition to
its public roles, including the continued development of
the Coast Guard, the Royal Bermuda Regiment has:
• Fulfilled its mandate through Hurricane Ernesto in August 2024.
• Supported the US Navy for a 12- week maritime
surveillance exercise during Summer 2024.
866 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly The Royal Bermuda Regiment was a principle
logistic enabler for the Navy, providing accommodation, transport and acting as the principal
liaison for the Bermuda Government.
• Facilitated crew transfer and support between
the Royal Navy River class ships HMS Medway and HMS Trent in September 2024.
• Actively pursued the Government’s commitment to Blue Shield.
I take leave from you, Mr. Chairman.

But no, that's fine. No, that's fine, Minister. We can adjourn for lunch break.
If you can just move that we go ahead for lunch
break until two o'clock. But go right ahead, Minister. We stand at your leisure.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, I move that we
adjourn for lunch and return to the House promptly at
2 pm. Thank you very much, Minister.

Good afternoon, Honourable Members
and members of the listening public. I hope you all had
a nice, short adjournment.
We are listening to a five- hour debate in the
Committee of Supply [considering the] Estimates of
Revenue and Expenditure for the budget year 2025/26. And this five- hour debate concerns the Ministry of National Security, more specifically, Heads 83, 6, 7, 12,
and 88. And when we broke for lunch we were in the
capable hands of Minister Michael Weeks. Minister, if you are ready, please proceed.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman.

Excellent. Not nearly long enough is
the answer, Minister.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Right. Okay.

Plans for the Upcoming Year

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Plans for the upcoming year
is where I left off, Mr. Chairman.
So, Mr. Chairman, the coming financial year
will see the Defence Department conduct Recruit
Camps which are scheduled to be conducted in July
2025 and February 2026.
Just for the record, Mr. Chairman, I could say
that we stopped off on the Head 6 which is the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

Yes.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Over 100 soldiers have just
returned from overseas camp 2025, in Jamaica. Addi-tionally, a smaller overseas camp, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, is scheduled for June where our JNCO
Cadre [Junior Non- Commissioned Officer] will be
taught essential leadership development skills before


Bermuda House of Assembly the successful candidates are promoted in December.
This rite of passage is essential for the future of the
Regiment as the last financial year lacked a JNCO
course.
A Junior Leader Summer Camp is also
planned for summer of this year. These leadership
skills are useful not just within the gates of Warwick
Camp but impact management positions in the Island’s
private sector. Skills learned on these camps will go on
to as sist Bermudians in their full -time employment. Operationally, the Coast Guard will continue to uphold its
mandate and is in the early stages of developing an unmanned systems unit to further protect the shores of
our Island and assist in search and rescue operations and give Bermudians peace of mind when on the water.
Ceremonially, we continue to prepare for multiple parades throughout the year. The Royal Bermuda Regiment Band has been invited to perform overseas
in Birmingham for their Annual International Tattoo in
February 2026. The Royal Bermuda Regiment Band
has a rich history of representing the Island overseas
and also introducing the joys of music to the youth, as
the band continues to embrace school -aged musicians.
Mr. Chairman, this year we will celebrate the
milestone 60
th anniversary of our beloved military unit
with a number of activities. The Royal Bermuda Regi-ment’s 60
th anniversary will serve as an opportunity to
reflect on the unit’s 130- year history. From the overseas wartime service of the Bermuda Militia Artillery and Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps, in the First and
Second World War, to the crucial role that the Regim ent
has provided throughout challenging times at home, we
expect 2025 to be a celebration of those who have
served this Island and an invitation to those who may
wish to join it in the future.
I hasten to add, Mr. Chairman, my sincere
thanks on behalf of the Government and people of Ber-muda to all those who have served our country through the Royal Bermuda Regiment in the last 60 years

Closing Remarks

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, this past year
has showcased our Regiment as a force of professionalism, reliability and adaptability both ashore and afloat
within Bermuda and alongside Caribbean allies. They
have notably enhanced the Coast Guard unit’s operational capabil ities while offering substantial personal
and professional growth opportunities for our soldiers.
The year has reaffirmed the Royal Bermuda
Regiment’s stature as a steadfast, honourable and
skilled entity efficiently delivering critical services to
Bermuda in regular periods and emergencies. On both
land and sea, we have also proven that our abilities can
match and support our larger allies adequately despite
our small size. This year we proudly continue our 130 -
year military tradition celebrating the Royal Bermuda
Regiment's 60
th anniversary. Our Island’s Regiment stands as a key pillar within our comm unity and a
source of collective pride for all of us.
Mr. Chairman, in closing I wish to commend
Lieutenant -Colonel Duncan Simons and his outstanding team for their continued dedication and service to
Bermuda. Mr. Chairman, that ends my presentation on
Head 6, Defence.

Excellent. Minister, when you're ready
you have the floor.

HEAD 7 —BERMUDA POLICE SERVICE

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, it gives me
great pleasure to present the budget for Head 7, the
Bermuda Police Service, found on pages B -273 to B -
276 of the Budget Book. The mission, Mr. Chairman,
the mission of the Bermuda Police Service is, Making
Bermuda safer. To make Bermuda safer, the Bermuda
Police Service strives to
• maintain the confidence of the community;
• treat all persons fairly with dignity and respect;
• protect vulnerable victims;
• reduce crime, particularly focusing on serious
crime and gang -related criminality;
• reduce antisocial behaviour; and
• enhance road safety.
Mr. Chairman, the Bermuda Police Service
[BPS] carries out its objectives by aligning its organisa-tional structure to maintain its community safety
agenda and the prevention of criminal risk (locally and
internationally) through a funded establishment of 482
employees as shown on page B -276. This represents
an increase of nine police officers, or 2 per cent (full -
time equivalents) over the original budget for 2024/25.
Mr. Chairman, the Bermuda Police Service
continues to advance its 2021– 2026 Strategic and Operational Plan. This will allow the following several key initiatives to progress:
• The Bermuda Police Service Gang Targeting Team continues to work with the Ministry of National Security’s Gang Violence Reduction
Team to reduce the threat in this area and
seeks to divert persons from gang -related
criminality. However, significant risk to the
community remains from gun/gang -related violence and the Bermuda Police Service contin-ues to strive to deter such acts through effective use of intelligence and specialist policing.
• The Bermuda Police Service continues its work
regarding standards of professional behaviour
and anti -corruption policy and procedure to
which relevant best practice is being utilised by
the National Anti -Corruption Committee in
868 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly support of other government departments and
the United Nations Anti -Corruption Self -Assessment for Bermuda.
• The BPS also continues its work in support of
the National Anti -Money Laundering Committee (NAMLC) to prevent financial crime, money
laundering and counter -terrorism funding, with
a strategic focus to maintain its excellent Caribbean Financial Action Task Force [CFATF]
grading.
• The BPS further continues its work to prevent and respond to cybersecurity matters and help maintain Bermuda’s reputation as a premier international financial jurisdiction.
• The BPS is working to implement a framework
for greater multi -agency collaboration on the
problem of domestic abuse. We seek to en-hance communication and improve training
with a view to improving service and reducing
victimisation.

Expenditure Overview

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, I will now invite your attention to the current account estimates for
Head 7, which can be found on page B -274.

Yes.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The total current expenditure
for the 2025/26 financial year is estimated to be
$69,769,000. This represents an increase of
$4,931,000, or 8 per cent from the 2024/25 financial
year. This change is due primarily to salary increases,
resulting from negotiations between the various unions
and the Bermuda Government. Salary and wage increases were necessary because of pay freezes, furlough days and not keeping up with CPI increases over
the last 14 years. Proposed salaries of $54,860,000,
which can be found on page B -275 represents an increase of $4,653,000, or a 9 per cent increase year
over year.

Programme 0701, Commissioner’s Office

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the BPS is focused on the protection of the Island’s property and its people. To ensure such protection, we require boots on
the ground —that is manpower. Officer salaries represent a primary expense in programme 0701. Total
funding for progr amme 0701 as shown on page B -274
is $54,592,000. The Commissioner's Office represents
78 per cent of the BPS total budget and covers proposed costs for 410 officers and four civilian staff.
Funding for this programme increased by $4,431,000,
or 9 per cent.
The budget also includes funding of $4 million
for police overtime costs and other benefits for officers as mandated by the Police (Conditions of Service) Orders 2024.

Programme 0702, Corporate Services Division
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Corporate
Services Division includes the following departments:
• 17010, Human Resources
• 17020, Finance and Administration
• 17025, Information Management Services
• 17190, Training and Development Department
• 17300, Vehicle Stores
• 17310, Uniform ed Stores
Funding for programme 0702 for the 2025/26
financial year is $6,696,000, an increase of $191,000,
or 3 per cent year over year.
Mr. Chairman, the department under the Corporate Services Division that requires the most funding is Information and Management Services. We have total funding of $2,692,000 which represents 40 per cent
of the budget for the programme. As the world become s
more reliant on technology, so does policing. And the
cost of technology is increasingly pricey as the world
veers away from vendor -owned software applications
into the world of paying for software licences for periods
of time. In addition, computer hardw are is deemed obsolete, typically in five years or less, and therefore
needs constant replacing. Computer hardware and software are the primary drivers of expenditure in the
Information and Management Services Department.
Mr. Chairman, in keeping with our mission of
making Bermuda safer, we cannot do so without com-petent officers safeguarding people and property on the
Island of Bermuda. The BPS must constantly recruit as
we lose officers through attrition and other reasons .
Funding under cost centre 17010, Human Resources,
of $1,254,000 provides support for recruiting and various medical benefits as mandated by the Police (Conditions of Service) Order, or COSO.
Mr. Chairman, the 2025/26 budget for finance
and administration has been set at $1,522,000, on page B -274. This is an increase of $143,000, or 10 per
cent. Finance and Maintenance provides $271,000 for
maintenance of the numerous properties of the Bermuda Police Service. Included are the police barracks
located in Prospect, Somerset Police Station and
Southside Police Station, as well as various offices located at our Prospect site. But the bulk of the budget
$904,220 covers salaries for 11 full -time equivalents as
found on page B -276. Staff under this budget are responsible for BPS payroll, vendor and other payments ,
stores and facilities. In addition, there is a provision of
$100,000 for the securing of overseas witnesses.

Programme 0703, Operational Policing Division
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, programme
0703 previously consisted of four separate departments. The departments were merged under one


Bermuda House of Assembly cohesive unit in the 2024/25 financial year under the
title Community Policing Unit. Funding for this unit is set
at $2,216,000. This on page B -274. [There is] funding
of $1,005,000 in salaries for the 17 full -time equivalents
who support the Bermuda Polic e Service officers and
their policing duties. The unit pays for the cost of station
duty officers who whilst civilian, provide critical support for officers.
In addition, the budget funds rent and associated costs of $264,000 for the Southside Police Station as well as cleaning services and various other costs incurred with running offices for the department.

Programme 0704, Operational Support Division

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, Operational
Support Division provides funding for the following departments:
• 17090—Court Liaison Unit
• 17120—Technical Operations
• 17130—Garage and Workshop
• 17160—Forensic Support
The total budget for this programme is
$3,523,000, an increase of $218,000, or 7 per cent.
Mr. Chairman, while personnel for policing are
important so are our operational vehicles which are on
Bermuda’s roads 24/7. The cost of which is funded under 17130, Garage and Workshop, in the amount of
$1,524,000, an increase of $176,000, or 13 per cent
year over year. The increase is necessary to fund increasing costs for vehicle parts.
Cost centre 17130, Garage and Workshop includes wages and salaries for garage mechanics, and
the fleet manager, as well as $774,000 for inventory,
spare parts, fuel, and insurance for the Bermuda Police
Service fleet. The budget for garage and workshop represents 43 per cent of the total budget under the Operational Support Division.

Programme 0708, Serious Crime Divisions

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Serious
Crime Divisions includes the following departments:
• 17140—Serious Crime Units;
• 17150—Drugs and Financial Crime Department;
• 17170—Intelligence Division.
The Police Support Unit as shown on page B -
274 is now incorporated under programme 0703, which
is why there is a zero balance shown for this unit. The
budget for programme 0708 is $2,460,000, an increase
of $36,000, or 1 per cent year over year.
Mr. Chairman, within the Serious Crime Division lies the Serious Crime Unit [SCU] with a budget of $1,077,000, which represents 44 per cent of the total
SCU budget. Prominent in the Serious Crime Unit are
costs for overseas consultants at $683,000. These consultants are a critical part of the BPS, providing skilled
and experienced investigators who assist both Intelligence and Financial Crime Units, as well as Forensics Support Officers who deliver essential crime scene response services. These highly skil led professionals are required because they bring capacity, ca-pability and specialised expertise not locally available. Their contribution ensures that BPS maintains operational effectiveness in complex investigations and serious cases while meeting international standards of evidence collection and analysis.

0710, Bermuda Reserve Police
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, 0710, Bermuda Reserve Police with a budget of $282,000. The
budget primarily funds bounty payments and associated costs for Bermuda’s Reserve Police Officers.

Revenue Overview

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Revenue shown on page B -
275 for the Bermuda Police Service consists of income
from
• 8457, general licences;
• 8521, firearms licences,
• 8523, licences for the use of explosives;
• 8525, security guard fees;
• 8617, publications; and
• 8801, facilities.
The BPS is responsible for the provision of firearm and explosive licences on Island. In addition, the
BPS reviews and approves licences to the various security guard services. The BPS also provides barrack
housing facilities at a nominal cost at the Prospect location. With our active recruiting efforts during the last
two years the availability of such housing is critical as a
benefit and incentive for new officers. In addition, the
BPS provides fingerprinting services, police and traffic
reports for the public. Because the BPS is not considered (nor should they be) a r evenue generator, money
earned from these sources are nominal. Therefore, the
impact of such revenue is presumed unchanged from
the prior year at $698,000.

Subjective Analysis
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The Subjective Analysis of
current account estimates of [Head] 7 is found on page
B-275, Mr. Chairman.

Yes.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I will highlight the material
changes year over year.
Mr. Chairman, with a projected budget of
$69,769,000, Salaries and Wages represent 79 per
cent of the Bermuda Police Service budget. The budget
for salaries is $54,860,000, an increase of 9 per cent.
The budget for wages is $646,000, an increase of 5 per
cent. The funding is for 482 full -time equivalents
870 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly comprised of 410 officers and 72 civilian staff, as shown
on page B -276. The increase for salaries and wages is
a result of recently negotiated salary uplifts.
Mr. Chairman, repair and maintenance is
budgeted at $2,390,000, an increase by $101,000. The increase is for additional funding required to repair and
maintain various Bermuda Police Service properties
throughout the Island. With the ageing buildings and i ncreased repair costs, it was necessary to increase their
budget.
Mr. Chairman, materials and supplies have increased from $1,912,000 to $2,057,000. The increase of $145,000 is because of increasing costs for vehicle
parts and the costs of outsourcing the maintenance of some vehicles, otherwise there were no changes.

Capital Expenditure

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: We will start with capital development costs. Mr. Chairman, as shown on page C -
7, the Bermuda Government is funding various capital projects for the Bermuda Police Service in the 2025/26
financial year. Most importantly, the Government has
provided $2,000,000 for renovations to the old headquarters building in Prospect. It is the desire of the BPS to move senior command and the Serious Crime Unit
back to its base in Prospect. In so doing, the BPS can
eliminate rent and associated cost s at the Front Street
location, allowing the courts the use of the fifth floor of
Hamilton Police Station and bring staff back to their
original home. This is an ongoing, massive undertaking
and is projected to be finished in August 2026.

Capital Acquisition Costs
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the BPS has
been provided with $1,275,000 for capital acquisitions
as shown on page C -15. Mr. Chairman, $300,000 has
been provided to purchase new vehicles. As a 24/7 operation, BPS vehicles endure severe wear and tear and
each year some mus t be replaced for safety reasons. It
is anticipated that the BPS will purchase nine new operational vehicles in the 2025/26 financial year.
In addition, the BPS has been funded
$900,000 to replace switches for its network. These switches are well beyond end of life and if not replaced
the service risks a complete shutdown of its information
systems. As stated earlier, today’s police service is
technology -driven and information systems are integral
to our operations . Therefore, the replacement of these
switches is critical to BPS operations.
Mr. Chairman, the BPS has also been allocated $30,000 for the acquisition of computer equipment. And $45,000 for the replacement of ageing, out -
of-warranty, body armour.

Staffing
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: As previously mentioned, the
BPS has budgeted for 482 officers and staff for the 2025/26 financial year. This number consists of 410 officers and 72 civilian staff members. This represents an
increase of nine additional funded posts when com-pared to the o riginal submission for the 2024/25
budget.

Service Initiatives

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Bermuda
Police Service has a strategic and operational plan for
the period of 2021 to 2026 with five key priorities:
1. Reducing serious crime
2. Protecting vulnerable persons
3. Raising confidence in the police
4. Reducing harm on our roads
5. Developing digital policing
As we move toward the conclusion of this planning cycle, in 2025, the Bermuda Police Service will
begin a comprehensive internal and external consultative process to form our next five -year strategic plan.
This forward -looking initiative will gather insigh ts from
officers, staff, community members, and partner agen-cies to shape our priorities and approaches for 2026 to
2031.
Mr. Chairman, I just need to raise this a little bit
because being a little tall it is starting to take its toll.

Sure. As the Minister is just getting
himself organised or more organised, we are in the
Committee of Supply for Estimated Revenues and Expenditures for the budget year 2025/26, This is currently a five- hour debate on the Ministry of National Security and we are hearing from the Minister of National
Security, [Honourable] Michael Weeks. It is as I said, a five-hour debate.
And earlier, Minister, you asked me for the end
time. I estimated it was 5:45 pm. It is in fact 5:42 this
afternoon when this debate will conclude.

[Inaudible interjections]

There we go . You have three minutes
less . . . three minutes less. This debate has five heads,
Head 83, 6, 7, 12 and 88 and at the moment we are on
the third of the five heads, Head 7, Police .
Minister, if you're ready, please continue. You
have the floor.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you.
This forward -looking initiative will gather insights from officers, staff, community members, and
partner agencies to shape our priorities and approaches for 2026 to 2031.
A key input to this process will be the findings
from the upcoming Security and Defence Review —a
Throne Speech initiative that examines what capabilities, capacities, services and resources the BPS needs


Bermuda House of Assembly to best position itself to meet Bermuda's security needs
over the next 10 to 15 years. This review will help us
align our future strategic planning with broader national
security considerations and ensure the BPS is prepared for emerging challenges.
The consultative process will be guided by our
commitment to community satisfaction and confidence, ensuring that public input helps shape our future direction. By combining professional expertise with community voice, we aim to develop a strategic plan that builds
on our current achievements while adapting to evolving
security threats and community expectations.

Performance Measures

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, I am pleased
to report that the department’s forecast performance
measures, which are shown on page B -277, for fiscal
year 2024/25 were achieved.
Public satisfaction with the Bermuda Police
Service represents the cornerstone of our performance
framework. At 6.2 against our target of 6.0, this measure—independently assessed each quarter through
comprehensive surveys —transcends all other
measures for a fundamental reason: policing exists
only through the consent and support of our commu-nity. When citizens express satisfaction with our service, it signals their trust in our approach, their confidence in our abilities, and their willingness to partner
with us in Making Bermuda Safer .
Traditional metrics like crime statistics, while
relevant, only tell part of the story. They measure what
we do, not how we do it. A police service can achieve
technical objectives yet fail in its primary mission if the
public feels unheard, unfairly treat ed, or unsafe. These
independent quarterly measurements capture the people element of policing that no procedural measure can
quantify. Simply put, if the community is not satisfied
with their service, the BPS is failing, no matter what the
other numbers s uggest.

Policing Issues for 2025/26

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, like many police services globally, the Bermuda Police Service
faces ongoing staffing considerations that require careful management. While the current staffing level of 382
officers presents challenges, we are pleased to report
that funding is not an issue and that we are making
great progress in increasing the number of police officers in the Bermuda Police Service. For example, last
year there were 360 officers, which means that we have
increased the number of officer s by 22, or 6 per cent.
Mr. Chairman, the BPS has implemented several promising initiatives to address staffing needs and,
as is shown in our increased numbers, these efforts are
starting to bear fruit. I am pleased to report that the Bermuda Police Service passed out 22 new police officers
on 8 May 2025; and there are currently 14 new cadets undergoing training who will be ready for deployment in
September. Moreover, we began another recruitment
drive in April 2025 and after initial vetting was completed, there are 139 applicants still in the pool. The
next recruit foundation course is expected to graduate
in March 2026, further bolstering the number of officers
in the ranks. Further, Mr. Chairman, we are on course
to start another recruitment drive in June or July 2025.
Mr. Chairman, local recruiting efforts have re -
doubled with the assistance of a government -led cross -
ministry recruiting initiative that is showing positive results. Additionally, the Government has expanded local
recruiting opportunities to include resident non- Bermudians, which will increase numbers and reduce demand
on barrack accommodations as these candidates are
already housed within the community.
Once all local recruitment options have been
exhausted, overseas recruitment may become neces-sary. There is a strong commitment to take whatever
steps are needed to ensure the Bermuda Police Service is sufficiently staffed to meet the Island's security
needs.
These proactive measures will help address
expected retirements over the coming years while en-suring the Bermuda Police Service maintains appropriate staffing levels to fulfil its mandate of Making Bermuda Safer .
Mr. Chairman, despite these staffing constraints, we face several significant public safety chal-lenges that require targeted action this fiscal year. The
scourge of gang and gun violence continues to impact
our community with concerning developments. We are
now witnessing the first -generation gang member's
children coming of age and choosing to carry forward their fathers' destructive legacy, often with greater levels of violence and disregard for community safety.
This intergenerational cycle demands renewed intervention strategies focused on at -risk youth to divert
them from this path. Knife crime is also rising at an
alarming rate and addressing this trend will be a priority
for the Bermuda Police Service this year.
Domestic abuse remains a concern requiring
sensitive handling. We will continue the work already
started in partnership with other agencies to ensure community members feel confident to report these sensitive matters. Our goal is to build more confidence i n
the police for victims to seek help while providing the
specialised response and support when they do come
forward.
Mr. Chairman, the summer months will bring
additional challenges to community safety as residents and visitors socialise in larger numbers on beaches, on
the water, and within bars and restaurants. These challenges include increased tensions between rival gangs,
antisocial behaviour, and impaired driving. The BPS
will maintain an intelligence- led approach to target the
most violent and prolific harm -causers.
Additionally, vagrancy and its associated crime
continue to impact the look and feel of Bermuda,
872 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly particularly in the City of Hamilton. Business owners lament lost revenue, intimidation, and concerns about the
safety of unaccompanied women. While the roots of
this complex social problem extend beyond policin g
alone, the BPS remains committed to address ing reported crimes while working with our partners to pursue
longer -term solutions.
Each of these challenges requires not just enforcement action but community partnership and trust—the foundation upon which effective policing is
built. Our independently assessed public satisfaction
rating of 6.2 reflects a measure of community confidence in our approaches to these issues, but we recognise there is always room for improvement. We will
continue to ensure our responses are visible, effective, and build public trust across all communities, even as
we work to address our critical staffing needs.

2024/25 Accomplishments

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, I will now provide this Honourable House with some sobering statistics on what the Bermuda Police Service dealt with over
the calendar year (January through December 2024).
Mr. Chairman, in Making Bermuda Safer , between January and December 2024, the Bermuda Police Service responded to approximately 12,700
events/incidents. Included in that figure, the BPS responded to an average of twenty -five 911 calls every
day.
Mr. Chairman, there were 1,853 arrests during
the period. Notably 201 involved the arrest of an im-paired driver, with some drivers being double , treble or
even more than four times over the limit (389 was the highest DUI in 2024).
Mr. Chairman, 3,719 crimes were recorded
and investigated, including nine murders, four of which
were committed using a firearm, and five of which were
committed using a knife. Of note, there was a knife- related triple homicide .
Mr. Chairman, the BPS dealt with 1,461 road
traffic collisions of which seven were fatalities and 128
involved serious injury. In the last 10 years, 109 persons have died on our roads and 1,0[40] have been seriously injured.
Mr. Chairman, 6,942 traffic tickets were issued,
with 1,718 tickets issued for speed. Of note is that 393 of the speeding tickets were issued for persons driving
70 kilometres per hour or more [than] double the speed
limit.
Mr. Chairman, Stop and Search is a powerful
tool that allows police officers to stop, question, and if required, search persons for weapons. The tool is used proportionately, as and when tensions, particularly
gang tensions, increase. The Bermuda Police S ervice
issued 1,0[66] Stop and Search forms to reduce opportunities for violence.
Mr. Chairman, despite these challenges, we
should remain optimistic about the future of policing in Bermuda. Our women and men work with dedication and integrity every day to serve this community. The trust placed in them —reflected in the independently
measured satisfaction rating —is something we value
and strive to strengthen with every interaction. We know that public confidence is not just a metric; it is the
foundation that enables everything they do. As they
move forward with the plans and initiatives outlined today, they do so with a firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and genuine partnership with the
people of Bermuda. When the community and police
stand together, we create not just a safer Bermuda, but
a stronger one.
Mr. Chairman, that ends my presentation on
Head 7, Bermuda Police Service. And as I close and
go on to my next head, I just want to commend the
Commissioner of Police and his team for the job that
they do every day, 24/7, in keeping Bermuda safe.

Thank you, Honourable Minister. As
you prepare the next head, we are in the Committee of
Supply for Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for
budget year 2025/26. The specific debate this after-noon is the debate on the budget for the Ministry of National S ecurity.
We have been listening to Minister Michael
Weeks on Heads 83, 6, and 7 which has just concluded regarding the police. We are now going to go on to
Head 12 and then Head 88. Head 12 is Customs.
Minister, when you are ready, you have the
floor, sir.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

HEAD 12 —CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman and Honourable Members, I am pleased to present the current account estimate for the Customs Department, Head 12,
which can be found on pages B -278 through B-281 of
the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure Book.
Mr. Chairman, the Customs Department’s mission is: Protecting Bermuda’s border and promoting economic development.
The objectives of the department are to
• assess and collect customs duty and fees on
imported goods;
• enforce customs laws and administer other
statutes controlling the international movement
of goods and people;
• prevent the smuggling of drugs and other illegal commodities, enforcing international conventions for environmental protection and
money laundering, and agency work for Immi-gration, Health, Transport Control, and Environment; and
• provide information and assistance to the public regarding customs laws and regulations.


Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Chairman, the Customs Department’s Vision is to be a modern, effective and efficient Customs
administration offering professional service to all stakeholders, using international best practices, maximising
revenue collection and protecting the borders of Bermuda.
Mr. Chairman, to make this vision a reality,
strategic goals have been set for Customs:

Strategic Goal 1: Staffing, Stability and Training
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, in order for the
Customs Department to carry out its mission, the department will continue to provide an environment that supports the highest level of integrity. Enhancing the
department’s integrity as a respected law enforcement
arm of the government is vital to performing our enforcement functions and will continue to be improved
by ongoing training and officer development.

Strategic Goal 2: Legislation and Operational

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, to advance
Customs’ mandate of facilitating legitimate trade, assessing and collecting the government’s revenue and
interdicting drugs and other contraband, the department will continue to review existing legislation and propose enhancements that will progress Customs’ capability to fulfil its mandate in a rapidly changing environment.

Strategic Goal 3: Policy, Procedures and Future

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the department’s policies and procedures are a vital portion of its
foundation and the ongoing programme of updatin g
these policies and procedures enables continuous improvement and further enhance the department’s already positive work cult ure and continues its responsiveness to an ever -evolving environment.
Revision of the memorandums of understanding with the department’s law enforcement counterparts will build upon the shared understanding of the
department’s comparable duties, aims and objectives.

Expenditure Overview

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, I would now
draw your attention to the current account estimates for
Head 12, which can be found on page B -278. A total of
$19,493,000 has been allocated for Head 12 for the financial year 2025/26. This represents an increase of
$1,121,000, or a 6.0 per cent increase of the original
budget for the financial year 2024/25. The most significant driver of this increase is the 4.8 per cent pay rise
given to staff.
Mr. Chairman, the Customs Department operates one programme listed as 1201, General, with
seven active business units. I will now address the business units as set out
on page B -278:

Business Unit 22030, Airport Arrivals –Travellers

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, Airport Arrivals[ –Travellers] has an estimate of $5,632,000. This
represents an increase of $520,000, or 10 per cent.
This increase pertains entirely to staff costs. The
amount provided for base salaries has increased by
$268,000. The amount provided for other staff costs,
that is overtime and other contractually agreed allowances, has increased by the remaining $252,000. The
increase in overtime cost is a result of increased traffic
at the airport outside of normal hours and on public holidays.

Business Unit 22050, Investigations/Audit

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, Investigations/Audit has an estimate of $1,080,000. This represents an increase of $11,000 or 1 per cent. This increase pertains entirely to staff costs. Given the pay
rise and the fact that the staffing levels are expected to
remain static, the increase is, perhaps, less than expected. This is explained by the fact that some members of the team are expected to change in the coming
year, and this will lead to the transfer in of more junior
officers at a lower pay grade. Specifically, one of our
Senior Customs Officers is expected to retire and a
Customs Officer promoted into that position. Also, it is
expected that one of the newly graduated Customs Officers will be placed within this section as part of the
annual officer transfer programme.

Business Unit 22070, Hamilton Commercial Ops

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, Hamilton
Commercial Ops has an estimate of $1,309,000. This
represents a decrease of $20,000, or 2 per cent. You
will note from the employee numbers on page B -279
that this section has a planned decrease in staff of two
officers, from 17 to 15. The decrease is due to a reevaluation of the volume of work and the resources that
have been re- deployed to the interdiction section.

Business Unit 22080, Administration

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, Administration
has an estimate of $5,182,000. This represents an increase of $73,000, or 1 per cent. The Administration
business unit is deemed the headquarters of the de-partment, and a majority of the operational budget is
allocated to this unit. For brevity and to avoid repetition,
I will elaborate upon all the notable budget changes
during my presentation of page B -279; however, I will
briefly comment on the movement in staff costs in this
section which have increased by $38,000, or 2 per
cent. The cost of the pay raise in this section has been
874 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly offset by the reduction in planned employee numbers,
as seen on page B -279, of one Customs Officer; from
23 to 22 due to the redeployment of an officer from the
Internal Policy Section to the Vessel Clearance Section.

Business Unit 22090, Vessel Clearance

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, Vessel Clearance has an estimate of $1,951,000. This represents
an increase of $146,000, or 8 per cent. This increase
pertains entirely to staff costs and is attributable to the
staffing level for this unit increasing by one officer.

Business Unit 22100, Interdiction

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, Interdiction
has an estimate of $3,100,000. This represents an increase of $319,000, or 11 per cent. The increase is
partly due to the planned staffing levels in the section
increasing by two officers, from 32 to 34. You will recall
that I advised that the redeployment of positions would
come from the Commercial Operations section. This
move was made in response to an evaluation of the operations within the courier and post office facilities
where it was identified that additional resources were
required to manage the workload.

Business Unit 22110, Seaport Enforcement Team

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Seaport
Enforcement Team has an estimate of $1,239,000.
This represents an increase of $72,000, or 6 per cent.
This is primarily due to the pay raise already men-tioned.

Subjective Analysis of Current Account Estimates
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, turning to
page B -279, on the table headed Subjective Analysis
of Current Account Estimates, we see how the allo-cated funds are intended to be spent. Just over 84 per
cent of the budget, $16,462,000, has been allocated to pay for salaries and a further $200,000 for other personnel costs. The allocation for the salary expense line
has increased by $1,090,000 or 7 per cent.
If we momentarily turn our attention to the table
headed Employee Numbers (Full -Time Equivalents),
we observe an increase in the number of estimated
Customs staff from the 2024/25 original of 180 to the
2024/25 estimate of 181.

Yes.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The additional position is
planned to be used at the airport. The total approved establishment of the Customs Department is 228 positions.
Mr. Chairman, of the remaining expense lines
the more significant changes are as follows:
• Other Personnel Costs are estimated to be
$200,000, an increase of $7,000, or 4 per cent.
The Other Personnel Costs in question are, primarily, allowances provided for Customs Officers being on- call and called out. As you will be
aware, the Customs Departm ent has to be prepared to respond around the clock to provide its border control service. From time to time,
unscheduled flights and vessels arrive into
Bermuda and, therefore, the Customs Department pays an on- call allowance to retain a skeleton crew to r espond to emergency out -ofhours calls.
• Training Costs are estimated to be $10,000, a decrease of $3,000, or 23 per cent.
• Travel Costs are estimated to be $44,000, an
increase of $11,000 or 33 per cent. The
planned travel comprises of Bermuda Customs
participating in the World Customs Organization and Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement
Council conferences as well as attending overseas [ACAMS] training. The planned increase
is primarily due to an additional expected trip
for [ACAMS] training. ACAMS is the Association of Certified Anti -Money Laundering Specialists, and this training is beneficial to Customs in several ways. For example, expertise in money laundering techniques, trends, and
detection methods allows the Customs Department to provide up -to-date training to officers
on the ground with respect to conducting investigations. This expertise is also useful in developing in telligence on the financial side of
smuggling which makes the identification of
suspicious activities more readily identifiable.
Further, it aids in the development of policies
that satisfy the requirements of the Caribbean
Financial Action Task Force, or CFATF. This in
turn benefits the economy of Bermuda as it increases the likelihood of receiving a favourable
rating as part of the National Money Laundering Risk Assessment.
Communications costs are estimated to be
$133,000, an increase of $7,000, or 6 per cent. These
costs represent telephone and Internet costs and are reflective of the preceding financial year’s actual expenses.
• Professional Services are estimated to be
$358,000, a decrease of $10,000 or 3 per cent.
The main driver of this expense type is due to
the expanded use of retired Customs Officers
to perform immigration primary function s.
These support officers have the t raining and


Bermuda House of Assembly years of experience but are employed at a reduced cost rate and on a part -time basis. As a
result, this allows the department to work more
efficiently as it frees full -time Customs Officer s
from performing some immigration function s
and allows them to focus on the core aspects
of the Custom Officer role.
• Rentals are estimated to be $607,000, a decrease of $3,000. This expense line covers
rent for buildings in the amount of $597,000
and equipment for $10,000. The Customs De-partment occupies two buildings for which it
pays rent:
o Custom House at 131 Front Street, which
houses its headquarters, administration,
commercial operations, investigations and
audit sections ; and
o Building 110 at Southside, which is a replacement for the training and administration space that Customs formerly occupied
within the old airport buildings.
• Repair and Maintenance are estimated to be
$1,234,000, an increase of $32,000, or 3 per
cent. This heading includes software costs,
and the increase is due to an anticipated increase in a software maintenance fee. The
software in question pertains to a mai ntenance
contract associated with CAPS, the Customs
Automated Processing System. In December
2025, the existing five- year software maintenance contract with IBM will expire and it is expected that the fees will increase with a new
maintenance contract.
• Energy is estimated to be $143,000, an increase of $13,000, or 10 per cent. The increase is reflective of actual costs during the
preceding financial year.
• Clothing, uniforms and laundry are estimated
at $67,000, a decrease of $53,000, or 44 per
cent. In recent years, the department has been
impacted by supply chain issues with respect
to sourcing uniform supplies. In the 2024/25
budget, it was anticipated that there would be
a significant increase in the costs of procuring
uniforms; however, the department was able to
work with new suppliers and, in actuality, the
increase in expenditure was not as high as expected.
• Materials and Supplies are estimated at
$235,000, an increase of $31,000, or 15 per
cent. This category of expense is broad and di-verse and includes office supplies, cleaning
supplies, personal protective equipment, food
and supplies for canines, computer supplies,
consumables for detection equipment and
other miscellaneous items. The estimate is reflective of the actual expenditure in the preceding financial period.
Performance Measures
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, turning to
pages B -280 and B -281, I would like to offer some comments on the performance measures for the Customs Department.
First, on page B -280, you will note that no performance measures have been provided, and no budget allocation has been allocated to business units:
22020, Airport Commercial; and 22040, Airport
Shift “B.” These business units were folded into 22070,
Hamilt on Commercial Ops; and 22030, Airport Arrivals–Travellers, respectively, some years ago.
For the 2023/24 year, business unit 22030, Airport Arrivals –Travellers, collected forced duty in the
amount of $41,188. It is forecasted that during 2024/25
that forced duty in the amount of $50,000 will be collected. The target for 2025/26 is $40,000.
For the 2023/24 year, business unit 22030, Airport Arrivals –Travellers, seized illicit items on nine occasions. It is forecasted that during 2024/25 that this
unit shall seize illicit items on 30 occasions. The target
for 2025/26 is 20.
For the 2023/24 year, business unit 22050, Investigations/Audit, completed 50 cases and collected
additional duty of $16,300 and expects similar results
during 2024/25. The target for 2025/26 is 100 cases
dealt with, and additional duty collected of $20,000.
For the 2023/24 year, business unit 22070,
Hamilton Commercial Ops, met its prescribed Quality Service Levels with respect to the timeframe of releasing imported goods 80 per cent of the time on 996,000
processed declarations. It is forecast that during
2024/25 this unit will achieve 70 per cent on 872,000
processed declarations.
For the 2023/24 year, business unit 22070,
Hamilton Commercial Ops, met its prescribed Quality
Service Levels with respect to the timeframe of releasing imported goods 80 per cent of the time on 996,000
processed declarations. It is forecast that during
2024/25 that this unit will achieve 70 per cent on
872,000 processed declarations.
Mr. Chairman, turning to page B -281 for the
2023/24 year, business unit 22090, Vessel Clearance,
prepared invoices to collect revenue from arriving vessels in the amount of $1,747, [839]. The forecast for
2024/25 and the target for 2025/26 is $1.2 million.
For the 2023/24 year, business unit 22100, Interdiction, seized 347 illicit items and achieved 90 per
cent of positive results from search and detentions undertaken. It is forecast that during 2024/25, Mr. Chairman, 350 items will be seized and the target for
2025/26 is, therefore, also 350 seizures.
For the 2023/24 year, business unit 22110,
Seaport Enforcement Team, reviewed 98 per cent of
import cargo manifests and scanned 80 per cent of imported containers. It is forecast that during 2024/25, those percentages will be 98 per cent and 90 per cent,
876 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly respectively, and the same target has been set for
2025/26.

Capital Expenditure
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The Customs Department
has three planned Capital Projects.
First, on page C -8, Mr. Chairman, —

Yes.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: —a capital development project, business unit 75372, Building Dock Scanner Hall,
$395,000 has been allocated to replace the Hamilton Dock Scanner Hall Building. The existing building has
been in place since 2012 and has fallen into disrepair
and is in urg ent need of replacement for the safety of
those working in and around the building and for the
safety of the equipment contained therein.
Turning now to page C -15, Mr. Chairman, —

Yes.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: —business unit 76473, Office
Furnishings/Fittings, $10,000 has been allocated for
the purchase of replacement office chairs.
Also, on page C -15, business unit 76500, Heritage Wharf Scanner, $127,900 has been allocated to purchase a new X -ray scanner to be used at the Heritage Wharf at Dockyard. The scanner will be used selectively to scan the luggage of disembarking travellers
from the cruise ships and is a replacement for an existing machine which has reached the end of its useful
life.

Initiatives for 2025/26

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, in harmony
with the Customs Department’s strategic goals, the following initiatives are planned.
With respect to Strategic Goal 1—Staffing, Stability and Training (as mentioned earlier):
• The Customs Department intends to complete
promotions and a recruitment exercise during
2025/26. This will bolster the activities across
the department but with particular focus being
placed on enhancing marine and airport operations.
• The department will continue to utilise the excellent training modules developed by the
World Customs Organization which are pro-vided as part of Bermuda’s membership.
• Additionally, Customs will engage with the UK
Home Office for strategic planning and training
opportunities.
• Customs will work on updating staff job de-scriptions to ensure that they are in harmony with current operational realities. • With the export control scoping study well underway, it is the intention of the department to
commence staff training to undertake this new
role which plays an important role in the combating of international terrorism and organised
crime.
With respect to Strategic Goal 2—Legislation
and Operational:
• The Bill in relation to Advance Passenger Name Record [PNR] data is a high priority in
the importance of cross -border movements
and security. Work has already started and
progress on drafting instructions will advance
in the coming year.
• It is also intended that consideration will be
given for the Customs Department to be included within legislation as an essential service. The Customs Department provides an essential service in protecting our borders and
are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the
year and it is appropriate that this is taken into
consideration when discussions are held pertaining to this vital role.
With respect to Strategic Goal 3 Policy —Procedures and Future—
• During 2025/26, it is our intention to continue
to work to provide support to the National Anti -
Money Laundering Committee in its important
work of preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. Customs plays a very critical role in this area as the enforcement body responsible for the cross -border movement of
cash and goods.
• As mentioned earlier, it is also our intention to develop an export control process which will
further mitigate the risk to our reputation and
society arising from money laundering.
• The department continues to work with software developers to create an API which will allow the submission of Customs Traveller Declarations using a smartphone application.
Mr. Chairman, I wish to thank the Collector of
Customs, Ms. Lucinda Pearman, and her team, for their
continued dedicated and professional service to Bermuda.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes the current and
capital estimates for Head 12. I shall now present the budget brief for . . .

Yes. Thank you, Honourable Minister.
If you want to take a quick break, I will just remind the
Honourable Members in the Chamber and the members of the listening public that we are the Committee


Bermuda House of Assembly of Supply for Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure
for the budget year 2025/26.
And the current debate is a debate relating to
the budget for the Ministry of National Security. And we have been hearing from the Minister of National Security this morning and this afternoon on various budget
heads, including the National Security Headq uarters,
Defence, Police, Customs. And we are now moving to
the fifth and final head that the Honourable Minister Michael Weeks is presenting, which is Head 88, National
Drug Control.
And Minister, when you are ready to commence again, I will look forward to listening to you on
the interesting topic of Head 88, National Drug Control budget.
Thank you, Minister, you have the floor.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, as you have said to the listening
public and to our colleagues here in the House, this is the final head that I will be presenting for the Ministry of
National Security.

HEAD 88 —NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: It gives me great pleasure to
present the budget for Head 88, the Department for National Drug Control, found on pages B -285 through B -
289 of the Budget Book.
Pages B -285 through B -289.

Yes, we have it. Thank you. Sorry, my
microphone was off. Yes, we have it. Thank you, Minister.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay.

Mandate or Mission

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, our mission.
The mandate of the Department for National Drug Con-trol is to Lead efforts to reduce the negative impact of
drug misuse/abuse on children, families and the community .

Expenditure Overview

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Our Expenditure Overview is
on page B -285. Mr. Chairman, a total of $5,035,000 has
been allocated for this head, which represents an increase of [$981,200] from the previous year, and constitutes 4 per cent of the budget allocated for the Ministry as a whole.
The total current expenditure is estimated to be
$5,035,315 for 2025/26 and represents an increase of [$981,200] , or approximately 24 per cent, higher than
the budget of 2024/25. This increase is due primarily to
increases in salaries, the addition of overtime, increased grant allocations and an increase in the general cost of living for operating costs.

Subjective Analysis

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The Subjective Analysis of
current account estimates of the Department for National Drug Control is found on page B -285. I will highlight the material object code increases and decreases
as per business unit.

Business Unit 98000, Administration

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Administration allocation of $1,317,000 is a 46 per cent increase from the 2024/25 allocation. The increase is due mainly to an increase in grant allocations by $100,000
and various increases in operating costs by $316,000,
including the negotiated salary uplifts.
The Administration budget covers employee
salaries for two staff and other operational expenses (such as: facilities, utilities, maintenance costs, supplies and training). And the following grants of
$100,000 for Salvation Army Harbour Light and Community Life Skills programme; $169,000 for Shift (formerly PRIDE); $330,000 for Focus Counselling Services; and $150,000 for Pathways Bermuda. Mr. Chairman, see page C -21, Grants and Contributions.

Business Unit 98010, Community Development

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the allocation
to Community Development, business unit 98010, is
$233,000, which is a 2 per cent, or $4,000, increase
from the 2024/25 allocation.

Yes, and that is at page B -285.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes. Okay.
The increase is related to negotiated salary uplifts for one staff.
Funding is allocated to facilitate activities that
are primarily targeted towards public education, community development, information dissemination and to support a grant of $60,000 to the Council on Alcohol
and Drug Abuse (CADA) to support alcohol awareness
and to provide TIPS Training. (See page C -221 [sic]
Grants and Contributions.)

No. I’m with you.

Business Unit 98020, Prevention Unit

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay.
Mr. Chairman, an allocation of $247,000 is provided to support the Prevention Unit efforts in business unit 98020. This is a $6,000 increase in the allocation
from 2024/25 due to the negotiated salary uplift for one
staff.
Funds in this business unit are utilised to improve coverage of drug prevention measures within the
community, to improve opportunities for school -base d
prevention interventions, and to increase access for
young people to targeted prevention programmes.
Funding is also utilised to support training of Prevention
professionals and community members to support drug
prevention efforts.

Business Unit 98030, Treatment Unit

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Treatment
Unit, business unit 98030, is allocated $419,000 in fi-nancial year 2025/26. This is an increase of $65,000,
or 18 per cent. The increase is related to salary uplifts
for two staff and an increase in operational costs including promotions, food supplies and rental costs related
to professional training and events.
Mr. Chairman, the Treatment Unit funding allocation is used to facilitate the implementation of key activities geared towards achieving the goals of the National Treatment Strategy, including Commission on
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation fees and resources, addiction specific training; Recovery Month (which is in September) activities;
and the AccuCare, web -based client management system licences and training. Funds are also allocated to
support the grant for the Bermuda Addi ction Certification Board [BACB] at the cost of $80,000. (See page C -
221 [sic] Grants and Contributions.)

Thank you very much, Minister.

Business Unit 98050, Research and Policy
Development Unit

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: All right, Mr. Chairman.
Moving on. The Research and Policy Development Unit, business unit 98050, on page B -285. has an
allocation of $326,000, which is a 20 per cent, or
$55,000 increase, from the previous fiscal year. The increase is due to negotiated salary uplifts for two staff,
funding assigned to support the implementation of required National Surveys, and the evaluation/needs assessments related to the N ational Drug Control Masterplan.
Mr. Chairman, funding in this cost code is used
to facilitate information gathering and analysis, monitoring and evaluation, as well as any relevant legislation and policy development initiatives prioritised within
the department and/or Ministry.

Business Unit 98060, Men’s Treatment Programme

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Men’s
Treatment programme, business unit 98060, on page
B-285, was allocated $1,138,000, an increase of
$227,000, or 25 per cent, from the previous fiscal year.
The increase is related to salary uplifts for eight clinical
staff. Overtime related to operations of a 24- hour programme and overall cost of living operating costs for
food, electricity, et cetera.
Mr. Chairman, the funding allocation for Men’s
Treatment provides the operational and staffing cost re-quired to provide services to meet the treatment/reha-bilitative needs and goals of adult males needing residential treatment at the Nelson Bascome Substance
Abuse Treatment Facility.

Business Unit 98070, Women’s Treatment Centre
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Women’s
Treatment Centre, business unit 98070, on page B -
285, has been allocated $1,355,000 for the 2025/26 fis-cal year. This represents a $208,000, or 18 per cent,
increase from fiscal year 2024/25. This increase relates to salary uplifts for eight clinical staff as well as the salaries for the administrative assistant, residential cook
and maintenance person, servicing both the Women’s
and Men’s Programmes .
The increase also includes funding for overtime related to operations of a 24- hour programme and
overall cost of living operating costs for food, electricity,


Bermuda House of Assembly et cetera. The funding allocation provided is utilised to
meet the treatment and support needs of women in residential substance abuse treatment along with rent for
the Supportive Residence paid by the Department of
National Drug Control [DNDC] to the Department of
Public Works in the amount of $60,000 per annum.
The Women’s Treatment Centre provides both
residential treatment for women at the Nelson Bas-come Substance Abuse Treatment Centre as well as
supportive residency at a separate site. The Women’s
Treatment Centre is the only residential treatment facility fo r Women in Bermuda.

Business Unit 98080, National Drug Control
Master Plan
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, business unit
98080, on page B -285, is in place to provide for the effective implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan; cross -ministry initiatives with the Police,
Customs and Corrections; evaluation of the Master
Plan and to encourage cooperation and involvement of
other Government Departments and civil society in the
implementation of the Master Plan initiatives. This business unit has not been allocated any funding in financial year 2025/26.
The Department of National Drug Control is required by the National Drug Control Act 2013 to “over-see the implementation of the action plan and monitor
and evaluate the performance of the plan.” Without
funding and high- level support, it is extremely challenging to implement and monitor the action plans and
achieve the goals of the National Plan as legislated.
Previous funding in this cost code was utilised
to support the development of services identified as gaps and priorities and to provide critical training for the
Government Laboratory, Police and Customs staff to
enhance their mandates; for example, fentanyl and its
handling; the purchase and training of K9 dogs for Corrections and Customs; and attendance of Customs officer to the ACAMS Conference to support NAMLC obligations.
Funding was also previously provided to complete the evaluation and needs assessments for the
National Drug Control Master Plan and to support media campaigns to highlight the outcomes of the National
Plan. Without this funding the added support to supply
and demand reduction agencies is depleted and the
development of new initiatives cannot be supported.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Capital Expenditure is on
page C -15, Mr. Chairman.

Yes. Page C -15.

Capital Expenditure

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, in fiscal year
2024/25, the Department of National Drug Control was provided with $3,000 to upgrade the security system in
the main office. This was completed. In fiscal year 2025/26, the Department of National Drug Control has
been provided with $10,000 to upgrade the data management system used to support the implementat ion of
national surveys and the Bermuda Drug Information
Network (BerDIN) by our Research Unit.

Manpower

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the department employs 27 staff. The Department Headquarters is presently staffed by a director , five technical offic e r s
and one full -time administrative staff.
Direct staffing support to the Nelson Bascome
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility is provided by one
Treatment Coordinator that oversees both the Male
and Female Residential Treatment Programmes along
with 16 clinical staff (Clinical Coordinators, Addictio n
Counsellors, Junior Addiction Counsellors and Addiction Counsellor Technicians) and three support staff,
(Administrative Assistant, Cook and Maintenance) currently assigned to the Women’s Treatment Centre and Men’s Treatment Programme.
There are currently three vacancies within the
Men’s Treatment Programme (Clinical Coordinator, Ad-diction Counsellor and Addiction Treatment Support
Worker). The Addiction Counsellor and Support Worker
are in active recruitment; the Clinical Coordinator post
is due to be filled in the 2025/26 fiscal year. There are
three vacancies within the Women’s Treatment Programme (Addiction Counsellor, Junior Addiction Counsellor and Addiction Treatment Support Worker) due to
be filled in the 2025/26 fiscal year; one vacancy in Head
Office (Treatment Coordinator) will be recruited in the
2025/26 fiscal year.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Performance measures by
business unit.

So, we are now moving on to page B -
288?

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes.

Performance Measures by Business Unit
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, I am pleased
to report that the department’s forecast performance
measures for fiscal year 2024/25 were achieved in the
majority of funded cost codes. Some initiatives were
unable to be completed due to staff vacancies. The performance measures for the Department for National
Drug Control (as you have said, Mr. Chairman) are
listed on pages B -288 and B -289.

Mm-hmm.
As the Minister is getting himself a glass of water, for the benefit of the listening public, we are in the
880 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Committee of Supply for Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for budget year 2025/26. The debate we are
currently hearing from is in relation to the Ministry of
National Security. It is a five- hour debate, and we are
coming up to the end of the third hour. The listening
public has been hearing from the Minister Michael Weeks in relation to Heads 86, 6, 7, 12 and we are now
on the last and final head, namely, Head 88, National
Drug Control. And the Minister was just addressing us
in relation to performance m easures at pages B -288
and B -289.
And Minister, I see we have some technical officers in the Chamber. If you want to pay thanks to them
[and] recognise that they are in the Chamber with you. Thank you. Go ahead, Minister.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes. Thank you for that, Mr.
Chairman. I too would like to recognise the A -Team.
Because that team leader makes me look good, and sound good when I am up on my feet —my PS and my
comptroller.

Business Unit 98000, Administration

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Business unit 98000, Administration. Administration provides the organisational
framework in support of the mission and mandate of the
Department of National Drug Control. Its resources are
aimed primarily at recurrent expenditures, and grants
and contrib utions to the treatment and prevention partners that provide services for, and on behalf of, the department. Mr. Chairman, 100 per cent of financial transactions were completed in E1 within Financial Instructions for the year 2024/25, and 100 per cent of performance appraisals were completed for the 2024/25 period.
As a result of supplemental funding in 2024/25,
Mr. Chairman, six grants were disbursed compared to the five disbursed in 2023/24. The Department for National Drug Control is established, in part as a service
delivery unit, but cannot provide all of the needed services required within the community and depends
heavily on acquiring services in the treatment and prevention areas through grant allocations to realise its
mandate. Shift, (which was formerly PRIDE) CADA,
Salvation Army Harbour Light and Community LifeSkills [Training] Programme, Focus Counselling Services, Pathways Bermuda and the Bermuda Addiction
Certification Board [BACB] all received grants and provided required services as per their grant agreements
during the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, Shift, formerly known as PRIDE,
provides evidenced -based life skills programming
within five of the public primary schools to support drug
education and drug prevention activities. In 2024/25,
Shift received $119,000. This level of funding created
major challenges with their ability to retain staff and facilitate their programming in the schools. Shift will be
granted $169,000 for fiscal year 2025/26— The Chairman: Yes, that is at page C -21 of the Budget
Book.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes.
And a 42 per cent increase from fiscal year
2024/25 with the goal of increasing their reach for programming in more schools and restoring programme
facilitator levels. The Salvation Army received $50,000
for the Harbour Light and life skills programmes in fiscal
year 2024/25. This funding level challenged their ability
to hire needed staff and their ability to provide their programmes effectively. Harbour Light and the life skills
[programmes] will receive a grant in the amount of
$100,000 in fiscal year 2025/26, a 100 per cent increase, to continue to provide residential drug treatment and community life skills programming for 10
males and hire needed staff.
Mr. Chairman, Focus Counselling Service provides transitional/supportive housing for up to 28 recov-ering males. These individual adult males have participated in primary drug treatment at other treatment facilities (such as the prison, hospital, inpatient or outpatient services) and require assistance in re- integrating
back into the community. The goal is to return participants back to the community as productive citizens,
thus improving the number of individuals maintaining a
drug free lifestyle. Focus Counselling Services received $180,000 initially in fiscal year 2024/25. An additional $150,000 was awarded as a supplemental
bringing their grant to $330,000. Focus Counselling
Services will receive the same level grant of $330,000
in fiscal year 2025/26.
Pathways Bermuda provides outpatient substance abuse treatment and aftercare services within
the community, servicing approximately 81 individuals.
Pathways received $150,000 as part of the supplemental funds awarded in fiscal year 2024/25 and will
receive a grant of the same level, $150,000 in fiscal
year 2025/26 to enhance their services and hiring of a
Clinical Supervisor.

Thank you, Minister. And all of these
grants can be found at page C -21 of the Budget Book.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes.
Mr. Chairman, CADA works in collaboration
with the Department for National Drug Control to provide community education on alcohol misuse, as well
as to provide the server training programme (TIPS)
which is mandated within the Liquor Licenc e Act 1974,
as amended in 2011. A grant of $60,000 was provided
to CADA in fiscal year 2024/25, which mainly supports
the implementation of the TIPS programme.
CADA will receive the same level funding of
$60,000 in fiscal year 2025/26 to support these activities. Grant funding of $80,000 was provided to the Bermuda Addiction Certification Board [BACB] in fiscal
year 2024/25. The Bermuda Addiction Certification
Board provides international certification testing for


Bermuda House of Assembly both prevention and treatment professionals locally;
funding also supports addiction specific training to enhance workforce development in this specialty area on
Island; supports re -certification of professionals and
helps to maintain membership in the Int ernational Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Certifi-cation is required for registration of Addiction Counsellors to practice under the Allied Health Professions Act
1973. There are currently 56 certified and registered
Addiction Counsellors (an increase of seven from the
previous year); 12 of the Addiction Counsellors are also
certified Clinical Supervisors, (an increase of one from
the previous year) and there are two Prevention Specialists, which is a total of 58 certified addiction profes-sionals working in Bermuda. There are also five Associate Alcohol and Drug Counsellors holding that designation under the board. BACB will receive the same
level grant of $80,000 for fiscal year 2025/26 to continue their work.
The highlighted agencies have provided an integral part of the drug prevention and drug treatment
continuum of services for Bermuda for many decades
in collaboration with the Department for National Drug
Control. (See page C -21 Grants and Contributions.)

Yes.

Business Unit 98010, Community Development

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the goal of this
unit is to educate the public about the harms of alcohol
and drug use, to ensure the provision of clear and sustained messages to our young people that no use of
alcohol, cannabis, tobacco or other drugs is acceptable. And to involve families, schools and community organisations in alcohol/drug prevention efforts.
Other initiatives for the Community Development unit are to assist in highlighting drunk/drug driving
and road safety initiatives through public education and
to continue awareness campaigns directed at underage drinking, adolescent drug use (which is alco hol and
cannabis) and emerging drugs, such as fentanyl and
synthetic drugs, edibles and vaping.
Throughout the 2024/25 fiscal year, the Department of National Drug Control Prevention Team collaborated with the Department of Education to bring
awareness and education on the harms of vaping to
both high schools and middle schools in the public and private sectors through web -based presentations and training with overseas specialists. A total of five training events for students and teachers were held. Two multimedia campaigns were focused on vaping and cannabis with ads occurring on radio, television and on the
Internet targeting the adolescent population.
Grassroots activities included work with the
Court Street Market Community group festival, partici-pation in health booths at both senior schools and the City of Hamilton.
Mr. Chairman, business unit 98020, that is on
Prevention.

Yes.

Business Unit 98020, Prevention
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Prevention
Unit is responsible for providing drug prevention programmes for schools and the wider community with the
goal of stopping use before it starts.
The Prevention Unit facilitates the implementation and integration of the Al’s Pals programme at the
pre-school level at all public schools and one private
school. Al’s Pals is an early childhood curriculum and
teacher programme that promotes resiliency at the
early childhood stage with explicit instruction to develop
social competence, autonomy and problem solving.
The DNDC supports the Al’s Pals programme within
schools by funding initial teacher training, refresher
courses and by providing resources/supp lies for all educators implementing the programme at a cost of approximately $15,000 per year. Approximately 296 students have participated in the programme from the preschool level in the public schools, an 8 per cent increase from last year and 48 in the private schools (a
total of 344 students). Currently there are 42 teachers
trained and providing the Al’s Pals programme.
Mr. Chairman, the unit also provides the Teen
Peace programme that supports three public schools for P7 and M1 school -age children as an afterschool
programme. Currently there are 50 students participating in the Teen Peace programmes, a decrease of 15
from the previous fiscal year due to the closing of one
middle school. The programme allows students to be
interactive with positive, prosocial adults and affords
them the opportunity to further develop, operationalise
and practice social -emotional learning s kills at a vital
stage when children are transitioning developmentally,
cognitively and emotionally.
The DNDC hires and trains facilitators for this
programme as well as provides all supplies and re-sources. Teachers facilitating have received the Botvin’s LifeSkills training, which a research- validated substance abuse prevention programme proven to reduce
the risks of alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, and violence.
The programme targets the major social and psychological factors that promote the initiation of substance
use and other risky antisocial behaviours. There are six
882 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly trained facilitators implementing the Teen Peace (Bermuda) Afterschool Programmes.
Mr. Chairman, the Adventure Education programme, that utilises an experiential approach to learning, is used as part of the annual Summer Camp for
emerging M1 students. The Adventure Education programme engages young people physically, emotionally
and ment ally encouraging them to explore appropriate
risk-taking behaviours and play that predicts unpredictable outcomes through adventure, fun and learning. Adventure educators use a specific framework to facilitate learning which include the “Adventure Wave”
which surges between three basic phases: Brief, Activity, and Debrief, helping to develop anti -bullying, anti -
drug, communication, compassion, critical thinking, health, leadership, respect, responsibility, self -esteem
and team building, tolerance and trust, to name a few.
Four facilitators have been trained to provide the pro-gramme during the summer. Thirty students participated in the Summer Camp last year, a decrease of 29
from the previous fiscal year, due to DNDC only able to
fund one session.
Mr. Chairman, the Parenting 101 programme
for at -risk parents is led by a certified P arenting facilitator and the DNDC Prevention Officer. The programme
provides a step -by-step guide to building positive parenting skills and family relationships to prevent problem
behaviours. Parents learn how to prevent problem behaviours from starting, how to communicate and how to
help their [child ] to solve problems and make good
choices as they grow. Stress management and positive
discipline are also included. Effectiv e strategies that
have been proven to work are learned and can be used
immediately by the parent. All the tips and tools are
based on research.
The Prevention Officer and a senior educator
are the only facilitators of this programme at an approximate cost of $5,000 annually. The Transformational
Living Centre closed during the fiscal year resulting in
our inability to complete the Parenting 101 programme
with them.
Mr. Chairman, all the drug prevention programmes are evaluated throughout the year by observation by the DNDC staff (Drug Prevention Officer and
the Community Development Coordinator) to ensure fidelity and appropriate implementation by the facilitators.

Business Unit 98030, Treatment

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Treatment
Unit is responsible for overseeing substance abuse
treatment island -wide by ensuring quality care through
accreditation of programmes, workforce development
and training and public awareness of available services. The Unit is also responsible for maintaining a
continuum of care and advocating for gaps in services.
In fiscal year 2024/25, the focus was on maintaining
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation for the Men’s Treatment
Programme, the Women’s Treatment Centre and Turning Point [Substance Abuse Programme] (operated by
BHB) as required by the National Drug Control Act 2013. All these programmes have maintained the “gold star” CARF accreditation status throughout fiscal year
2024/25. CARF accreditation is spearheaded and
funded by the Department for National Drug Control is-land-wide at an approximate cost of $20,000. Compliance surveys are completed every three years. Quality
improvement reports are submitted annual ly.
Mr. Chairman, efforts have continued to consolidate the use of the AccuCare web-based client
management system in all drug treatment programmes across the Island to assist in standardi sed, best practice care. Five treatment facilities out of the six on Island utilise the system at cost of approximately $21,000
annually. Required treatment specific training such as
CPR/First Aid and Safety -Care Prevention Techniques
also took place during 2024/25.
Unfortunately, due to staff vacancies, awareness campaigns such as [National] Recovery Month
and programme spotlights were unable to be planned
and implemented during 2024/25.

Business Unit 98050, Research and Policy

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the primary
activities of the Research Unit are geared towards collection and dissemination of reliable data through the
Bermuda Drug Information Network (BerDIN); identifying emerging trends and patterns of drug use; evaluation of the current drug control efforts, and providing coordination, implementation and evaluation of the National Drug Control Master Plan and Action Plans.
Mr. Chairman, during financial year 2024/25,
the 14
th Annual Bermuda Drug Information Network
(BerDIN) meeting was held with all n etwork members
at BUEI [Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute] on
1 November 2024. This annual event continues to
greatly increase collaboration, understanding and information- sharing between all agencies involved in demand and supply reduction activities. The 2024 Annual
Report of the Bermuda Drug Information Network (Ber-DIN) was released to the public in November 2024 following the meeting. The report can be found on the
Government website.
Mr. Chairman, the Treatment demand indicators, consumer satisfaction surveys, stakeholder feedback surveys, employee climate survey and quality records reviews were completed within the Department for
National Drug Control, Women’s Treatment programme, Men’s Treatment programme and the Right
Living House operated under the Department of Corrections during the 2024/25 fiscal year.
The National School Survey (a primary research study) was completed in fiscal year 2023/24 with the report being prepared for release in the first
quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year. The Prison Survey,


Bermuda House of Assembly initially delayed for two years because of COVID -19 restrictions, began on 1 May 2023. The study examining
the correlation between drug and alcohol consumption
and traffic accidents, as well as fatalities, began at
KEMH on 1 May 2023. This initiative is a joint effort with
the DNDC Research Unit and the Emergency Department at the King Edward Memorial VII Hospital.
Mr. Chairman, 75 per cent of BerDIN members
submitted their information on time, however, numer-ous agencies faced difficulties in submitting their data
sets last year.
The postponement of data entry adversely affects the annual report by creating gaps in previously supplied information, leading to an inaccurate repre-sentation of Bermuda's drug situation. Steps are being
taken to address this issue moving forward.
Almost there, Mr. Chairman.

—hitting the horns.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes. Okay.

Business Unit 98060, Men’s Treatment

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, and members
of our listening public, the Men’s Treatment programme
is a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment programme for men 18 years and above in Bermuda. It
provides long- term, comprehensive primary treatment
for addiction disorders. The programme’s primary treat-ment is delivered over a 12- month period using a
phased approach. During the last phase, a transition
plan is developed which includes participating in volunteer services, job shadowing, and referral to transitional supportive residency programme and/or after -care services.
The Men’s Treatment programme had 12 admissions and nine discharges to the community during
the 2024/25 fiscal year with six completing the 12 -
month programme, a completion rate of 50 per cent. Mr. Chairman, life skills training remains a key
component of the programme, especially in the transition phase. Mr. Chairman, 100 per cent of the clients
received life skills training with six receiving after -care
services. Family counselling is also a key part of treatment with six family members receiving support in 2024/25.
The MTC programme has been accredited by
CARF since 2015 and has received the gold star 3- year
award since then. Preparations have already begun for
the next accreditation survey scheduled for 2026.
Mr. Chairman, business unit —

Mm-hmm. We are on page B -289 of
the Budget Book for those in the listening public.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Business Unit 98070, Women’s Treatment

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, the Women’s
Treatment programme provides long -term, comprehensive treatment for addiction and related disorders. The programme is delivered over a 12- to 15- month period using a phased approach. The phased approach
to treatment delivery enables the client to reach short -
term goals and celebrate accomplishments, thus motivating them to continue in treatment. Community involvement and re- entry is gradual and includes a partnership with local businesses and organisations to facilitate volunteerism in our clients. Admissions have been low over the 2024/25 fiscal year with two admissions and one discharge.
Life skills training remains a key component of
the programme, especially in the Transition phase; all
of the clients receive Life skills training.
There are three women receiving after -care
services. Efforts will continue towards improving the admission rate by including a campaign to assist in increasing participation in the women’s programmes
through focus groups , public awareness and by partnering with community programmes that women access. This will occur in the upcoming fiscal year
2025/26.
Mr. Chairman, the supportive residency facility
and programme provides a safe environment for the re -
integration of women back into the community who
have completed a programme of substance abuse
treatment at the Women’s Treatment Centre or who are
accepted by the Women’s Treatment Centre. All transitional clients are females who have been drug -free for
at least one year. The programme is managed by the
Women’s Treatment Centre and is located within the
general community. There are two clients occupying
884 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly the transitional home, both of whom are working within
the community and actively engaged in life skills training to facilitate their move back into the community as
productive citizens.
The Women’s Treatment Centre programme
and supportive residence has been accredited by CARF since 2009 and has maintained the G old Star 3year Award since then. Preparations have already begun for the next accreditation survey scheduled for 2026.

Business Unit 98080, Master Plan

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Chairman, business unit
98080, on page B -289, is in place to provide for the effective implementation of the National Drug Control
Master Plan; cross -ministry initiatives with the Police,
Customs and Corrections; evaluation of the Master
Plan and to encourage cooperation and involvement of
other Gover nment departments and civil society in the
implementation of the Master Plan initiatives. This business unit was not allocated any funding in financial year
2024/25 and again in 2025/26. No funding results in no
financial support for actions laid out in the National
Drug Control Master. The DNDC is required by the National Drug Control A ct 2013 to “oversee the implementation of the action plan and monitor and evaluate the
performance of the plan. ” The required evaluation of
the [National Drug Control] Master Plan 2019– 2024
has been planned to take place over the early months of fiscal year 2025/26. Some funding will need to be
sourced from within the Ministry to meet this legislative requirement.
The Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of the actions of the Master Plan was approved by Cabinet and needs to be convened in fiscal
year 2025/26 to ensure that priority actions get addressed.

Thank you, Minister. If I could pause
you just there. I know that you are still addressing the
Chamber on Head 88, being the fifth and final head of
your five heads in the debate on the Ministry of National
Security.
We are going to have a change in the Chair.
And you will have the pleasure of MP Renee Ming. There is about one hour and 45 minutes left in
the debate until 5:42. And thank you, Minister. And to
everyone else who is assisting in relation to this debate.
MP Ming.

[Pause]

[Mrs. Renee Ming, Chairman]

Good afternoon, Members and listening audience.
We are currently in Committee of Supply for the
Estimates of Revenue and Expenditures. We have the Minister for National Security up right now and he is doing Head 88 of his brief. We have approximately one hour and probably about 40 minutes left.
Minister, would you like to continue? And thank
you for your patience.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good afternoon, Madam
Chairman. How are you today?
[No audible response]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: It has been a long debate.
Madam Chairman, we are page B -289, but I
am just moving on to plans for the upcoming year.

Plans for the Upcoming Year

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Chairman, we shall
• continue critical recruitment efforts with the
goal of filling all vacancies by the end of the first
quarter of the fiscal year 2025/26;
• continue the provision and monitoring of
Grants to Drug Treatment and Drug Prevention
Partners within the community to enhance the
national demand for reduction efforts ;
• establish the Steering Committee to oversee
the National Drug Control Master Plan actions ;
• complete the evaluation of the Master Plan and
commence the needs assessment processes to create the next five -year plan as required by
the National Drug Control Act 2013;
• implement the Pregnancy, Alcohol and Drugs
Survey planned for August 2025;
• implement the National Household Survey on
Alcohol and Drugs planned for October 2025;
• continue to provide residential substance
abuse treatment for both adult males and fe-males at the Nelson Bascome Substance
Abuse Treatment Facility ;
• commence preparations to re- implement an
Adolescent Addiction Treatment Programme
as per the November 2024 Throne Speech,
with the goal of implementing in the following
year. Programme development and staff positions will be identified during this process ;
• continue to expand and enhance drug prevention efforts within schools through collaboration
with the Department of Education, training
teachers , and providing drug prevention materials and support ;
• continue to educate the public and bring
awareness about the harms of drug and alcohol misuse/abuse; and
• hold a community engagement event to enhance community -based efforts addressing
substance abuse and other antisocial issues within the community.


Bermuda House of Assembly Madam Chairman, the Department for National
Drug Control will continue to work collaboratively with
other key ministries such as Health and Education, as
well as with various d epartments such as Corrections,
Court Services, the Bermuda Police Service, Customs
and international partners to ensure the implementation
of a balanced approach to efforts made in achieving a
healthier and drug -free Bermuda.
Madam Chairman, that ends my presentation
on Head 88, Department for National Drug Control.
In closing, Madam Chairman, I would like to
commend Ms. Joanne Dean and her hard -working
team for their sterling work throughout the year. This
ends, Madam Chairman, my presentation for the Min-istry of National Security.

Thank you, Madam Chairman, Honourable Members and the listening public. I will be brief. I will ask questions just for clarification, et cetera. I don’t anticipate being up here a long
time because it was a very comprehensive brief given
by the Minister for National Security.
First of all, I want to echo his sentiments regarding the persons in National Security for the hard work that they do, the uniform ed services, support staff,
families of those persons and persons who have decided to avail themselves of the necessary treatment
services to choose a better life and not hurt people as much. So, thank you to the service. You work is valued.
I think we can all agree that when we are looking at the state of this Island as it relates to young per-sons, that we are in a state of crisis. And I am encouraged by some of the initiatives that were outlined in the
ministerial brief today. But I have so me questions in
terms of the execution of some of those plans which
some of them appear to be lacking in strategy and in
terms of having a cohesive and defined framework. But
I will get to that.
I am looking at page B -264, Head 83, National
Security Headquarters. I am looking at Professional
Services with the amount of $2.403 million and training
$150,000. I am looking at Defence, Head 6, page B -
271, where we have training for $35,000. I don’t see
any professional services for that, so I suspect that they
do not use consultants very much.
Police, Head 7, page B -273. The Professional
Services budget is $2.735 million. And we have Train-ing with a budget of $337,000. And for Customs we
have, Head 12, page B -279. We have Professional
Services at $358,000 and we have Training at $10,000.
For Nat ional Drug Control, Head 88, page B -286, Professional Services. We have $523,000 and we have
Training with a budget of $43,000.
So on the face of it, it would appear that the
emphasis is more on paying consultants than it is on paying for training of staff to progress and get the nec-essary skills to carry out the duties and responsibilities
of their respective posts, understanding that the risks
and the environment as it relates to criminal justice,
substance abuse treatment, drug interdiction and keeping the citizens of this Island safe ever changing.
I would like the Minister to provide some clarification on why the training budgets for those heads are so lean in comparison to the Professional Services. I
think for the ease of answering and keeping the flow, it
would be best if I allowed Minister Weeks to answer the
heads and then continue on. Would that be agreeable
to you?

[Inaudible interjection]

Yes. So, what I picked up on was
basically the general regard and . . . yes. So that was
encouraging to hear that. So, regarding the Treatment Courts, the way
they currently operate, understanding that it is an intensive programme, and rightly so, because of the risk needs associated with substance use disorders. As
they currently operate, the person who is being recommended for a Treatment Court has to undergo a period of observation which seems to be a bit counterintuitive
because the choices and decisions that were being
made by that person led to conflicts with the criminal
justice system in the first place.
So, it almost appears the way the system is set
up, it is a setup for failure, giving them the false impres-sion that it is a choice whether or not to engage in the
programme, when it is the choices that actually caused
the problems in the first place. So, I am wondering, as
part of the National Drug Control’s role, if there will be
some consideration to amending the way that persons
enter the Drug Treatment Court programme, so that
persons will be engaged in treatment much earlier and
it will be a more fluid system and more efficient for the
sake of the clients getting the help that they need and
also the community being safeguarded.
Understanding as well that the persons who
are . . . who have contact with the Criminal Justice System, lower socioeconomic homes, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, et cetera, many of those persons
are receiving financial assistance. They are housed in
Bermuda Housing Corporation properties, et cetera.
And we do know that there is a correlation between
growing up in those environments and being exposed to certain antisocial behaviours and the resulting generational trauma and being caught in the system.
So, I am wondering if there is going to be consideration for persons who are receiving government services to undergo some assessment for substance use and receiving those services whilst also receiving
the services, whether it be housing, financial assistance or some other. So not being excluded but that is
part of the intact process to ens ure that we are going to
get good outcomes.
Regarding the NDC and CADA —

Okay. I am referring to the NDC, so
that would be Head 88, page B -286. And what I am
speaking to basically is the overarching philosophy as it relates to . . . the Minister made a statement about
CADA and the stats that he was giving in terms of the
corre lation between drinking and driving and accidents.
So, I am wondering if, as part of the National
Strategy, consideration is going to be given to increas-ing the penalties for said offences and also amending
the legislation so that sobriety checkpoints will not need
to be gazetted in the current format because persons
are basically being informed don’t go in these areas,
drink in those areas. So, if we are going to do something meaningful it would suggest that with some tweaking of the laws people can be encouraged to be
responsible.
I am going to go to Head 88, NDC, page B -266,
and business unit 93000, performance measure, Info
System Waste Management Policies, approved, zero,
2023/24, 90 per cent revised, 2024/25 target outcome
90 per cent, estimate 2025/26. The question I have is,
what is being measured and how can a risk management programme be implemented without a comprehensive report on the cybersecurity breach which occurred in September 2023. The report was completed
in November 2023. Are they utilising the recommendations that came out of that report to guide policy decisions?
I am also looking at the performance measure,
Percentage of meetings held with quorum, instead per-centage of objectives met, it was achieved . So, they are
measuring meetings, but they are not . . . the measurement is not measuring the substantive reason for the meeting in terms of what are the objectives that we are
trying to achieve.


Bermuda House of Assembly We just, Oh, we had a meeting, we had a number of people. It does not appear to encourage an improvement in service. And you are also looking at some
of the performance measures which . . . and this a general for all the heads with the exception of (I want to
say) Fire Service and the Customs. But I will go ahead
and clear that up as I go.
The performance measures seem to be counterintuitive as well. Whereas you would be aiming for 100 per cent, what we are seeing in some of these performance measures across the board here is that the
numbers are actually reduced, or they are held static.
So, it appears as though the process of determining
what the performance measures should be, it appears
to be an arbitrary process as opposed to a measure
that is being used to guide performance, to measure
performance towards the achievement of the goals. So,
the performance measures need to make sense for the
objectives that are being set and are part of the roles
and responsibilities of each Ministry head.
Page B -267, 93007, performance measure,
Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team contin-gency plans progressed. Again, what is being measured? How could a risk management programme be
implemented without a comprehensive report on the
cybersecurity breach which occurred in September (as
I stated before)? So, things are happening. Decisions
are being made in an absence of a report that there appears to be no urgency, understanding that this an
issue of national importance that the public has a right
to know so that we can protect ourselves.
Business unit 93008, Gang Violence Reduction Programme. In 2023/24, initial expenditure was
$689,000. In 2024/25, it was revised to $1.151 million.
Estimate in 2025/26 is $1.716 million. Question: How many employees are there in the Gang Violence Reduction Programme, understanding that there is a serious need? And is Pastor Bean still the full -time coordinator of the programme and does he receive full compensation as a government employee? Or he is a consultant? I am just unsure of that.
Performance measure, page B -267, business
unit 93008, Percentage of survey questionnaire data
showing improvement in knowledge and skills achievement among at -risk youth participants of prevention
programmes. Question: How many participants are in
the prog ramme? What age range? How long is the programme? What is the actual programme? What data is
being collected and how does it map on to arrests, convictions, and deaths? So how many persons graduated
and what is the relationship between graduating from
the programme and recidivating or not?
Might I suggest a better measure? A number of
gang reduction programmes offered in schools, correc-tion facilities. Measure what we want to improve on;
don’t measure something that is not important or meaningful, consistent with the roles and responsibilities of
the Ministry and department. It is basically wasting people’s time. If we . . . imagine if we went to school and they said that they were going to do away with grades.
You are going to be . . . you know, W e are more concerned about you wearing the uniform properly . I suspect that kids are going to lose interest because they are not being pushed towards challenging themselves to learn and do the difficult things because we have
lowered the bar so far.
Minister Weeks, I’m on page B -276, with the
numbers 69600 The Minister explained that they had
been amalgamated or merged into another area. So, I
am okay with that. Oh, a question for you though. Business [unit] 17042, Western area command, 17041—

Eastern area command, Western
area command. The question I have, Are those police
stations operational with a full -time staff?
In terms of Head 7, page B -275, Revenue
source, Firearms, $9,000, $19,000, $19,000—I was a
bit confused. It reads as though we are selling firearms,
but I am sure that is not the case.
In terms of the police . . . let me get the page
for you. Head 7, page B -275 [sic], 17008, Bermuda Police Service, performance measures, satisfaction. If I heard the Minister correctly, it sounded as though the
measure was 6.3 out of 6.0. I would just like clarification
because I think I must have heard that wrong.

I will make sure that I have it open.
So, when we are looking at customer satisfaction, like I said, in terms of what is the actual metric, I think the public would be more concerned about the response time, apprehension rates, weapon seizures,
how many, quantities —some specifics in terms of what
888 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly is being measured. Arrests resulting in successful prosecutions. Are performance measures consistent with
other jurisdictions? Do the performance measures
measure what we are trying to achieve? Or is it just an
administrative function?
Head 12, Customs, page B -278. Business unit
22090, Vessel Clearance. I am not sure if the Minister
mentioned, where did this section go? And who has assumed responsibility? Is this a merger? Has it been
merged or amalgamated with another section? Has it
realised the efficiencies and results anticipated?
Customs, Current Account. The Minister made
mention of the fact that in the Customs Department re-tired persons are being brought back as consultants. Understanding that the training budget for Customs
was meagre at best, wouldn’t it make sense to increase
the training budget so that you have persons who have
received the requisite training who can then assume
the role and progress within the career and respond to
the changing needs of that department? So, training is
of paramount importance to ensure that we deliver
quality public service to the people of this community.
Especially when you consider the sensitive and important nature of the work that these persons do in
these various departments.
Airport Commercial. That is page B -280. Airport Commercial, business unit 22020, Maintenance to
client base, 90 per cent time measured by quality of
service levels, zero, zero. Target outcome zero. Please
explain.
It is also concerning that with a document of
such importance and having the requested extra time
to submit the budget that there are so many clerical errors. It would also suggest that there are accounting errors according to the culture of performance that cur-rently exists. Better measurement suggested, quantity
of drugs seized. What drugs were seized? Illegal items,
specific. Guns, weapons, plants, et cetera.
Prohibited animals. Percentage increase or reduction from budget of year before. Identify trends to show if what we are doing is working and where resources are needed, measuring performance against
stated objectives.
Page B -281, business unit 22100, Interdiction.
Percentage of positive search and detentions from total search and detentions undertaken to exceed 50 per
cent. Ninety, ninety, ninety —target outcome. How
many searches out of . . . a better measurement would
be perhaps how many searches out of a total number
of searches resulted in seizures of specific items and
weights. There is nothing to aspire towards , improvements in service results. The performance measures,
like I said, the theme is, it appears to be an arbitrary process because it is not measuring the performance
related to the objectives and goals.
NDC, Head 88, page B -289. Number of clients
in the programme compared to the number who completed, who stayed clean—

Okay.



Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Robert King: So, the NDC brief spoke about the
Master Plan for the NDC not having a budget. And to
me that is very concerning because that would be one
of the first things that would be considered in a strategic
plan to make sure that you have got the necessary resources in terms of equipment, personnel, building —
whatever resources are required, you need to have a
budget so that you can make sure that those things are
fulfilled. You don’t suggest that this is a strategic plan
and not have those things i n place. So, the question I
have is, When will the strategic plan, the complete strategic plan be brought before the House so that we can
have a discussion on it?
I have a question regarding the cybersecurity
incident in 2025, $3.092 million—

I will start on page B -269,
which is the department objectives. And I just note under Objective 8, Recruiting, it refers to a standing deployable force of up to 420 personnel. And on page
B-272, the performance indicators for the second business unit listed, 16010, Regiment headquarters, refers
to a regiment establishment of 265. And then lists the
percentages against that 365.
My question is related to this topic. Clearly, we
are by the forecast for this year, only at 77 per cent of
the 365, which is also well short of the 420. Growing to 82 per cent next year as predicted. I looked at the number of volunteers listed above, and I sort of did some
math and I guess there must be some . . . I am getting
to the question, but I am just trying to help explain. Actually . . . well, my first question would be, Are there any
particular areas that are particularly understrength
compared to that 77 per cent, or that the Regiment is
particularly concerned about. That is number one.
My second question is, I see the forecast for
the number of volunteers which is the first item there on
page B -72, under Finance Recruitment. This is unit
16000, and I see the target outcome is for 40 volunteers. I am assuming that is brand new volunteers . Is
there an attrition number that the Regiment has in mind
that they plan for? Like the number of personnel who are leaving the unit? That would help me understand
how to connect those percentages and numbers together.
And I guess I did not precisely put it, Madam
Chairman, correctly. Another question is, please ex-plain the difference between the 420 under the department objectives and the 365 under the performance
measures. Thank you, Madam Chairman.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.
I am referring to page B -265, just to mention
the gang reduction budget. It is $1.7 million. On page B-267, one of the performance measurements is measuring the percentage of survey question data showing
improvement in skills development and prevention programme. And I may have missed something, but I didn’t
really see any other measurement with respect to the gang reduction violence programme. It is a hefty
budget of $1.7 million. And it would be nice to have
some performance measurements that actually tel l us
something. I don’t know whether there is something in
there that perhaps, you know, could shed some light on
here but I just didn’t see it. Thank you.

Thank you, Member.
Does any other Member wish to speak at this
time?
I recognise the Member from constituency [22],
MP Scott Pearman.

890 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott Pearman: Thank you, Madam Chairman.
And thanks to the Minister for his very detailed presentation.
My question is a straight -forward one and it is
in relation to the police. And it is the presentation in relation to Head 7. At one point during . . . and more specifically, if I could take you, Madam Chairman, to the
employment numbers page B -276. If you look there for
the 2023/24 actuals you see a number of 447. And then
we have the originals and the revised for last year, 473
and 443. My question is . . . during the Honourable Minister’s presentation reading his brief, he said that last
year there were 360 officers. And I am just looking for
some clarity as to the differences between the number that was read in his brief and the number that is shown
on the total line of employee numbers at page B -276.
I am not sure if the differential is because of the
use of the word “officers” and that there are more em-ployees of the Police Service who are non- officers and
that is the difference. Or if, alternatively, the difference
is that these numbers here at page B -276 are roles and
posts most of which are unfilled or of which a number
are unfilled, leaving only 360 officers actually filled. So
that is my first question.
My second question, still on this topic is in relation to the 360 officers. Is the Minister able to share
with us how many of those might be off, whether for
sick leave or for disciplinary leave, or whatever it may
be? So, in terms of if there are 360 off icers, how many
would we say are active? So thank you, Madam Chairman, those are my questions.

Just for the benefit of the listening audience, we are currently in Committee of Supply for the
Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure. Today we are
debating the Ministry of National Security. And that will
be Heads 83, 6, 7, 12 and 88.
Thank you, Minister.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman.
I will take a stab at trying to satisfy all the questions. If I don’t give you the answers that you wanted, I have no problem getting on with you to clarify the question for me.
The first answer I have here is around professional services versus training. I said in my brief that
professional services are increased by $1 million. And
that was supposed to be used toward marketing of anti -violence messaging, educational bursaries and counselling services. So, it is not that we are using monies focusing more on professional services rather than
training. I think that at this point in time we have to be
mindful that in order for us to put in place the [Bermuda] National Anti -Violence S trategy, Madam Chairman, the
way we want, we have to employ some outside expertise.
So, we do not want to give the impression that
we are focusing more on professional services and less on training. It has to go hand in hand. Because some
of the expertise that we need is not always in- house.
So that is why we are putting the money in the budge t
to address some professional services that are needed.
We had another question on the Treatment
Courts. The question was —and I am jumping all over
the place. I’ll try to get all the answers. So, everyone,
bear with me. How can we improve the process for the
admission of clients from Drug Court? The answer,
Madam Chairman, is that Treatment Court falls under
Court Services. So, clients are accepted to the Department of National Drug Control Residential Treatment
based on their will to be admitted.
As the Member from constituency 10 had said,
that is my wheelhouse. And I think we both understand
that no matter what service we provide when it comes to rehabilitation services, Madam Chairman, if the client
in question, be it male or female . . . one of the key components of it is their willingness to come into treatment
to get those services. But as it stands now, it comes
under . . . the Treatment Courts fall under Court Services. But the actual treatment, the client, the person
who needs the treatment , needs the rehabilitation services, his/her will is paramount in the success of the treatment.
[The Member] asked a question about the Police Service training versus consultants. For the Ber-muda Police Service, consultants deliver actual services. There are always efforts underway to try and
meet the needs from within local staff; however, that is
not always possible. So, the BPS would at times employ consultants to deliver actual services whilst they
are attempting to increase staffing and raise skill levels
amongst our local team. So, there is always the option . . . it is always the intent (I should say) of the Bermuda
Police Service to increase the skill level of those officers and other staff members who are in- house. But until
such time that is why we get consultants to come here,
and they come and hit the ground running. And until
such time when we raise the skill level, we would have
to employ some level of consultation from overseas.
There was a question relating to the cyber report. The cyber report is subject to a parliamentary
committee, and it is still in the process of being ratified.
Therefore, no National Drug Control decisions are
guided by the recommendations of the cyber [report], obviously, until the report gets ratified.
There was a question in reference to drinking
and driving. Drinking and driving, potential legislative


Bermuda House of Assembly changes. Changes to legislation inclusive of penalties
are being considered along with other opportunities to
curb impaired driving.
The [Member] talked about consultants for the
Department of National Drug Control. The answer requires speciality training often not available on Island.
Local trainers are always used when possible. Consultant fees for AccuCare licences are also included in that
number.
Again, I just might add a little addition. I too
come from that world, and I remember when I had to
go overseas to get a level of training so that I could
come back and be the best possible counsellor that I
could be. But wherever possible, we do training here
on Island. And training in that realm of rehabilitation is
ongoing. It is constant. It is constant because it is always a moving target. And I take this opportunity to
take my hat off to those who are drug and alcohol counsellors. They are on the front line, and it is not a cut -
and-dry approach to dealing with those who are looking
for help in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. A question for Customs. Are we spending
funds on consultants instead of training new officers?
Customs professional services is broken down as follows, Madam Chairman. [There is] $100,000 on consultants regarding the advancement of export control.
This wo uld include training for staff. This is a new area
to Bermuda. So, the expertise does not exist here already to utilise; therefore, it is necessary for us to use
a consultant to get us up to speed.
Madam Chairman, $216,000 on contractors.
This pertains to vendors fulfilling non- Customs officer
functions primarily immigration and cashiering. This
frees up officers to perform their core functions. Also,
the rate per hour for vendors is lower than for Customs officers.
Madam Chairman, $42,000 on membership
fees. These are memberships of World Customs Or-ganizations and Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement
Council. Within our membership for these are free, but
excellent, training provided. Also, Madam Chairman,
the training is therefore comparatively low because
much of our training is carried out in- house and is provided freely by our memberships of the WCO [World
Customs Organization] and CCLEC [Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council].
We had a question, Madam Chairman, I can’t
remember which Member asked it. I think it is constituency 31, asked about GVRT [Gang Violence Reduction
Team]. Member Smith, is she constituency 31?
[Inaudible interjection]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes. Is Pastor Bean as coordinator of GVRT a full -time government employee or a
consultant. The answer: Pastor Bean serves as a gov-ernment -appointed consultant.
How many individuals currently make up the
GVRT? The GVRT currently consists of five members. There was a question for the Regiment. I am
not sure who asked that question, but —

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Who was it? Dr. DeCouto.
Yes. He is “ doctor "? You are a doctor?
Yes? Okay. All right, Doc.

[Inaudible interjections and laughter ]

Constituency 25.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Constituency 25.
Professional services versus training, on page
B-271, $91,000. This is all medical fees covering full -
time staff, copays, and costs associated with uninsured
part-time staff soldiers.
There was another question for the Bermuda
Police Service, [regarding] firearm licensing. MP King from constituency 10 started off the bowling [with] his
question on firearm licensing. The Bermuda Police Service does not sell firearms. They do however charge
the public to process firearm applications.
I think the same Member asked about drinking
and driving. Potential legislative changes. Changes to legislation inclusive of penalties are being considered
along with other opportunities to curb impaired driving.
There is another question, and I think that may
have come from the Member of constituency 10 in reference to the GVRT. Can you provide clarity on how many young people are involved, their ages, what are
the programmes? And how do they support the Ministry’s goals? The response to that, Member, is that the
Ministry of National Security delivers several school -
based intervention programmes to its frontline team,
working daily in Bermuda’s public schools. These pro-grammes include youth work placement and mento ring
programmes, focused on career readiness and mentor-ship for students ages 15 to 18, offering real -world job
placements and personal development support.
We have a programme called the G.R.E.A.T.
programme. And G.R.E.A.T. stands for: Gang Re-sistance Education and Training. That is delivered in
primary and middle schools for ages 8 to 13. Teaching
life skills, conflict resolution and positive decision -making.
The GVRT also engaged in school visits, mediations and restorative sessions, providing crises sup-port, conflict mediation and relationship building across
all age groups. The individual support, tailored case
management and mentoring for students identified as
at-risk.
We have another programme, Madam Chairman, called the I AM programme. A youth
892 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly empowerment initiative that builds self -worth, identity,
and positive mind -set through workshops, group sessions and mentorship, primarily targeting middle and
senior school students. So collectively, these programmes engage over 150 students per school term
across ages 8 to 18. Each programme is tracked with
specific metrics and reported on regularly.
All initiatives align with the Ministry’s prevention and intervention goals by maintaining a consistent
presence in schools, building trust with students, offering hands -on support and guiding them to a positive life
path.
There was a question referencing the Department of National Drug Control. Who was that?

[Crosstalk]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay. Constituency 10. Constituency 10 was bowling, wasn’t he?
Why is there no funding for the Master Plan?
The answer was that the 2019 to 2024 Master Plan has
finished and is currently being evaluated by overseas
speciality consultants. This will be followed by the
needs assessment with all stakeholders and partners.
All data will be used to develop the next plan. The new
master plan will be made available in 2026/27.
There was a question on how the cybersecurity
relates to the DRRMT team [Disaster Risk Reduction
and Mitigation Team]. The Disaster . . . I don’t know
who asked that question.

[Crosstalk]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay. I’m going to refer all
my answers to [the Honourable Member for] constituency 10. He can direct me to where it has to go .

[Crosstalk]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay. All right.
So, the question was, How does cybersecurity
relate to the DRRMT. The Disaster Management Plan address protections of critical national infrastructure
more broadly, while the cybersecurity unit focuses specifically on the protection of the computer systems that
support and service the critical national infrastructure.
There was a question on Customs, Vessel
Clearance, Amalgamation, amalgamated with Marine.
I am going to assume it was [from the Honourable
Member for] constituency 10 and he can direct me.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay. All right. So the answer
to that question is that Vessel Clearance is marine. It is
. . . are you referring to the transfer of funding or positions from interdiction to vessel clearance? If so, it has
made no difference and the reason is because it was
merely an accounting budget change reflective of the actual operational reality, i.e., it did not make sense to
have part of a section recorded under one cost centre
and partially under another. There has been an increase in seizures due to the additional cruise ship visits.
Also, for Customs , explain the accounting and
seizures. The zeroes were explained in the brief. Those
units are no longer in use. The budget has not been provided so they cannot be expected to produce performance.
There is another question for GVRT. I am not
sure if [the Honourable Member for] constituency 10
asked many GVRT questions.

[Inaudible interjection]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: You did? It was between you
and [the Honourable Member for] constituency 31.
[Laughter]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: All right. All right. That is the
score back there, Madam Chairman.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The survey related to the
Gang Violence Reduction programme appears to be
the only noted measure, or metric. Are there any others? There is no single standalone Gang Violence Reduction programme. Rather, gang violence is addressed through the broader Nati onal Violence Reduction Strategy which encompasses multiple programmes and initiatives. Each of these has its own success metrics and reporting mechanisms tailored to its
specific objective.
There was a question on the strength of the
Regiment. The historic unit strength of 420 is not correct. The correct number is 365. However, this is under
review. The Regiment aims to recruit 40- plus soldiers a
year and plans for an attrition rate of 30 so ldiers. Retention remains high and the Regiment is doing more
than ever with fewer people. Although there are no critical gaps in capability , there will be challenges providing operational mass over time. Managing through succession planning over the medium - to long- term continues to be a challenge.
There is another question, Madam Chairman —

Thank you.
Minister.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman.
And for my learned doctor, the Regiment aims
to recruit 40- plus soldiers a year. And plans for an attrition rate of 30 soldiers. Retention remains high and the
Regiment is doing more than ever with fewer people.
Although there are no critical gaps in capability, there
will be challenges providing operational mass over
time. Managing through succession planning over the
medium - to long- term will continue to be a challenge.
Our next question, Madam Chairman. I am not
sure who it came from, but it was, What is the Bermuda
Police Service’s actual staffing as opposed to the
funded establishment? Bermuda Police Service, as of
19 May , currently employs 381 police officers [with] police staff of 59, for a total of 440 . In the 2025/26 budget
they are funded for 482. The difference is the understaffing gap. And the Police Service, I may add while I
am on my feet, is actively recruiting. As a matter of fact,
they have a recruit class going on now. There is another advertisement going out in the next couple of
months. So the police are actively doing all that they
can to try to get the numbers up to bolster their boots
on the ground.
That, Madam Deputy Speaker, were all the
questions that I have so far. If anyone has felt slighted,
it is not personal. You can ask me again or just remind
me and I will get the answers in the remaining time.
Thank you, Madam Chairman.

For Minister Weeks, when can we
anticipate that we will learn of the recommendations of
the cybersecurity report? That’s all. Thank you. The Chairman: Thank you, Member.
Does any other Member wish to speak to the
debate at this time?
Minister, no one. So, I guess you can answer
that question.

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Chairman, I think
there is a joint committee that has been put in place by
the Speaker of the House. Once that Committee reconvenes and does what they have to do, I think that that
report will be tabled right after that happens. Okay?

Let me just ask, does anyone else wish
to speak to the debate that we currently have which is
the Ministry of National Security, Heads 83, 6, 7, 12 and
88?
I recognise the Member from constituency 12.

Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes. Thank you, Madam
Chairman.
Just over on page B -267. I know that under
Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation, in reference to
the cybersecurity, I was just curious. I didn’t . . . in goin g
through the numbers here, it didn’t mention or show
that there was any potential ransom that had been paid.
Can we assume then that there was not one that was
paid? Since I couldn’t find [the numbers] in Finance. I
couldn’t find the numbers in National Security Head -
quarters. The question is, Is it safe to say that we did
not have to pay one?
Ah—okay.

Okay. Well, you can ask it at this time.

Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: In reference to the . . . the
Minister said, his answer was that they would be looking forward to the Joint Select Committee forming to
answer questions concerning the report that was done
on cybersecurity. I guess I was just wondering, if we
continue to wait to ratify this by the Committee, are we
saying then that . . . I would assume that there are still
risks that we need to fill. If we have to wait for the [Joint]
Select Committee to ratify the report, does that continue to put us in jeopardy because we are waiting for
the Joint Select Committee to meet to ratify the report?

Yes. Thank you.
Minister.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman.
I will answer the first question first, concerning
any ransom or whatnot. I think those kinds of questions
should be held offline, actually. And that would better
be served by the Finance Minister.
And second, because the Committee has not
been reconvened in Cabinet and reinstituted , does not
mean that we have not been putting safeguards in
place to make sure that to the best of our ability the kind
of stuff that happened in 2023 does not happen again.
And as I sit down, the cyber ransom question,
as I said, is for the . . . it is a question that the Joint
Select Committee would answer.

Thank you, Minister.
Does any other Member wish to speak to the
current debate?
I’ll ask one last time. Does any other Member
wish to speak to the debate?
Minister, I don’t see any show of hands or anyone rising to their feet.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman.
I now move that Heads 83, 6, 7, 12 and 88 be
approved as printed.

Good afternoon, Members, and the listening public.
We are currently in Committee of Supply with
the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure. We are
about the start the debate on Housing and Municipalities. The heads that we will debate for the next three
hours will be Heads 90 and 53. Our start time is 5:15,
which means our finish time will be 8:15.
I call on the Minister Zane De Silva to begin.
Thank you.

MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND
MUNICIPALITIES
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Chairman.
Madam Chairman, I move the following heads.
Head 90, Ministry of Housing and Municipalities; Head
53, Bermuda Housing Corporation be now taken under
consideration.

Thank you, Minister, you can proceed.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I am trying out these new
glasses to see how I make out.

[Pause]

HEAD 90 —MINISTRY OF HOUSING
AND MUNICIPALITIES
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, I am
grateful for the opportunity to lead the debate and present the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for
Head 90, Ministry of Housing and Municipalities. This is found on pages B -319 through B-321, and also page
C-22 of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for
fiscal year 2025/26.
Ministry Headquarters is comprised of one
business unit, 10000, Administration, which support s
the Minister’s office and directs the development and implementation of policy and legislation. The Ministry
Headquarters also provides leadership and coordination for its affiliated bodies which are the Bermuda
Housing Corporation, the Bermuda Housing Tr ust, the
Bermuda Land Management Corporation, the Corporation of Hamilton, Corporation of St. George’s and the
Morgan’s Point Development Company.
The mission of the newly formed Ministry of
Housing and Municipalities is To enhance Bermuda’s
quality of life through affordable and sustainable


Bermuda House of Assembly housing, vibrant communities, responsible land stewardship and innovative urban development. To achieve
the mission the Ministry Headquarters has the following
objectives:
• Guide and coordinate the Ministry’s initiatives
through collaboration with Government agencies and key public and private stakeholders.
• Deliver essential logistical, financial and administrative support to the Ministry Headquarters and its constituent entities.

Expenditure Overview

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, as noted
on page B -321, the Ministry Headquarters has been allocated a total budget of $913,805 for the 2025/26 fiscal
year. This amount represents approximately 12.1 per
cent of the Ministry’s total estimated budget of
$7,554,000. For clarity, the other 87.9 per cent, or
$6,640,000, is allocated to the operational grant for the Bermuda Housing Corporation.
Of the Ministry Headquarters’ allocation
budget, $465,000, or 50.0 per cent, is designated for
salaries and $388,000, or 42.0 per cent, is earmarked
for professional services to support studies and specialised assistance. And the remaining $60,805, or
8.0 per cent, is allocated to Operations.
Madam Chairman, as the Ministry is newly
formed, there are no changes in the subjective analysis to report in the 2024/25 current account estimates.
Revenue
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, the Ministry Headquarters will not collect any revenue this fiscal year.

Manpower

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, the manpower estimates for the Ministry Headquarters as outlined on page B -321 is five full -time posts. This includes
a policy analyst, comptroller, executive assistant, and
two special advisors to the Minister. Currently, the two
advisor positions are unfilled.

Capital Expenditure

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, the Ministry Headquarters does not anticipate purchasing cap-ital assets during the fiscal year 2025/26.
Grants and Contributions
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, as shown
on page C -22, the Ministry Headquarters has an allocation of $22,960,000 for grants and contributions. This will support the following entities, including the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, the Corpora-tion of St. George’s and the Bermuda Housing Corpo-ration.
The specific grants and contributions are as
follows:
For the Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC) the following grants are to facilitate payments on three projects currently secured through one
single loan with Clarien Bank.
• Cost centre 75054, the Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC)
$1,254,000, increased from revised estimate in 20242/25 of $1,112,000 for the affordable housing project and infrastructure
project at Victoria Place. This includes the
installation of sewag e collection and reclaimed water supply as far as Boaz Island
Village.
• Cost centre 75334, BLMC South Basin
Land Reclamation, $3,061,000 increased
from the revised estimate in 2024/25 of $2,715,000. This, Madam Chairman, for
the Cross Island reclamation project for the
America’s Cup 2017.
• Cost centre 75346, BLMC King’s Wharf,
$845,000, increased from the revised estimate in 2024/25 of $749,000 for the King’s
Wharf dock and terminal upgrade.
The increase of each loan is due to the rising
Clarien Bank loan interest from 4.5 per cent to 6.0 per
cent. For the Bermuda Housing Corporation, fulsome
details will be provided in the budget statement for
Head 53, Bermuda Housing Corporation. However, at this time I would like to provide the following highlights.

Cost Centre 75320, BHC Residential Housing Grant
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Over the past two years the
Government has taken bold and strategic steps to address Bermuda’s need for affordable housing. In 2023, the Government allocated $4.3 million to the Bermuda
Housing Corporation [BHC] under the Residential
Building Programme. I n 2024, this investment was
raised to $5 million, reinforcing our strong and con-sistent commitment.
For the 2025/26 fiscal year, we have deepened
that commitment by allocating $6.5 million to the Residential Housing Grant, an increase of $1.5 million over
the previous year. This expanded funding will allow
more Bermudians to access quality, affordable housin g
and directly improve living conditions across the Island.
Madam Chairman, the BHC has outlined a
comprehensive renovation plan to bring much needed housing units back into service. In 2025, a total of 16 units will be refurbished, including 12 units at Harmony
East, six studios, and six one -bedroom apartments,
and four two -bedroom units in Middletown.
Looking ahead to 2026, an additional 33 units
are slated for renovation. [There are] 16 units at
896 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Harmony North and 12 units at 18 Battery Road, comprising of four two- bedrooms, six studios, and two one -
bedroom units. [There are] also five family -sized units
at Chelsea, two three- bedroom and three two -bedroom
units. And you will be happy about that, that is in your constituency, Madam Chairman.

Cost Centre 75332, BHC Capital Grant

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Additionally, the Bermuda
Housing Corporation has been allocated $10.5 million
in its annual capital grant, an additional $2.7 million
compared to last year’s original estimate of $7.8 million.
We are also making significant repairs to BHC -managed facilit ies and some of those include the following:
• a new roof, kitchen and electrical upgrades at
Gulfstream Rooming House in St. David’s;
• bathroom and room refurbishments at Langley
House, St. David’s;
• elevator installation at Prospect Apartments, Alexandra Road; and
• transformer and related infrastructure work at
Fenton’s Drive and Perimeter Lane.
These are not just maintenance projects, but
investments in dignity, security and quality of life. The St. George’s Corporation will receive a grant, cost centre 75003, of $800,000 for fiscal year 2024/25, consistent with last year’s revised estimate. This funding
will support key infrastructure improvements with the municipality of St. George’s. You are happy to hear
that, Madam Chairman. Planned initiatives include:
• resurfacing and bricking of the Ordnance Island car park;
• various road resurfacing projects across the municipality; and
• renovation of a three- bedroom dwelling locate d
at 26 Wellington Street.
These upgrades aim to enhance the town’s infrastructure, improve public amenities and contribute to the overall revitalisation of the area. The overall decrease in capital loans of approximately $4,644,263 is
primarily attributed to a reduction from the $27,604,263
in fiscal year 2024/25 to $22,960,000 in 2025/26. This
decline reflects the elevated loan requirements in
2024/25 which were necessary to complete the conversion of the Grand Atlantic into the Bermudiana Beach Residences.

Output Measures

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, as this is
a new Ministry established in February 2025, there are no performance measures to report on for fiscal year
2024/25.

Major Policy Changes

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Again, Madam Chairman,
as this is a new Ministry established earlier this year there are no major policy changes to report on the fiscal year 2024/25.
Plans for the Upcoming Year
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, the establishment of this new Ministry reinforces Government’s commitment to developing and implementing
solutions for affordable housing and effective management of the Island’s quangos and municipalities.
I will briefly highlight some of the Ministry’s priorities for the fiscal year 2025/26.
Development of a housing strategy: Bermuda’s
housing challenges demand urgent, inclusive and long -
term solutions. Too many families continue to face difficulty securing adequate housing and the Ministry of
Housing and Municipalities is fully committed to addressing this issue through a comprehensive national
strategy. The recent Bermuda Infrastructure and Development Summit held by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and the Urban Development Authority highlighted the critical need to approach hous ing
as a cross -sector issue.
From executives relocating to the Island to essential workers, middle- income earners and those in
urgent need of shelter, our strategy must provide for all.
This budget supports the development of a long -term,
data- driven housing strategy to guide future investment, planning and home ownership opportunities. A three- year coordinated delivery framework is being developed to address the Island’s housing needs. At the
heart of this initiative is the creation of an integrated
strategy that aligns the efforts o f Government agencies,
non-profits, and the private sector around shared objectives.
As an initial step, the Ministry is establishing a
working group comprising public and private sector rep-resentatives and launching an island -wide housing survey to identify trends, assess needs and ensure that
future development is targeted, effective and inclusive.
Madam Chairman, these next steps will include
• convening the House Strategy Working Group;
• launching the island -wide housing survey and
beginning data collection;
• analysing the survey results to identify key
challenges and opportunities;
• engaging stakeholders in developing a draft
housing strategy and deliver framework;
• conducting public consultation to validate prior-ities and proposed actions; and
• finalising the housing strategy and presenting
an implementation plan to the Cabinet.

Affordable Housing
and the Bermuda Housing Corporation

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, we are
not going to wait for a completed plan. We must act
now. The Bermuda Housing Corporation continues to


Bermuda House of Assembly play a vital role in delivering safe, affordable and accessible housing for Bermudians across all sectors.
With three grant allocations totalling over $23
million for operational support, capital works and new
residential construction, BHC is well -equipped to advance its mission with urgency and impact.
These funds will drive continued renovations to
existing units, expand the residential building programme and enable targeted upgrades to transitional
housing facilities such as Gulfstream and Langley
House.
The successful HomeStart Programme in partnership with Clarien Bank is also helping more Bermu-dians to achieve first -time homeownership. With 88
units completed or in progress, and additional development planned at Harmony Terrace, Chelsea Apartments, Bat tery Road and other strategic locations BHC
is proactively addressing rising housing demand, reflected in a growing wait list of over 376 applicants.
Support for our seniors and our most vulnerable remains a top priority. Through initiatives like interest-free home improvement loans and the long -standing H.U.S.T.L.E Truck programme now in its 18
th year.
As economic pressures continue, the work of BHC is more critical than ever. The corporation is ready and
resolute meeting Bermuda’s evolving housing needs
through data- driven planning, strong partnerships and
decisive investment. The time for action is now and we
are delivering.

Bermudiana Beach Residencies
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, as of 19
May 2025 the Bermudiana Beach Residences has
reached 35 per cent secured occupancy with 23 units
currently occupied and an additional 10 leases in progress. This includes a mix of studio, one- , two -, and
three- bedroom units reflecting steady interest and positive momentum in tenant uptake. With 94 units available, the current figures represent 24 per cent occupancy and 11 per cent in- progress leasing. The continued activity in lease signings indicates growi ng confidence in the development and suggests a promising
trajectory for full occupancy in the months ahead.

Master Planning for the Neighbourhoods of Alexandra
Road, Mary Victoria Road and Cedar Park
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, the Ministry, working in collaboration with the Bermuda Housing Corporation and the Ministry of Public Works and
Environment, is committed to developing a comprehensive infrastructure master plan for the Devonshire neighbourhoods of Alexandra Road, Cedar Park and
Mary Victoria Road. This initiative will address long -
standing and critical issues including water supply,
sewage and street lighting.
Preliminary work is already underway. A town
hall meeting has been held, and engagement continues with the Ministry of Public Works and Environment on
water infrastructure. Discussions are ongoing with the
Bermuda Housing Corporation to address water -related concerns , and coordination with BELCO is in progress to improve street lighting.
As part of our commitment to inclusive community engagement, we are actively identifying multiple ways to consult with the residents. In due course, a
dedicated government forum platform will be launched
to facilitate issue reporting and information shari ng. Additionally, a working group comprised of government
representatives and interested residents is in the process of being established to guide the development
and implementation of the master plan.
Water testing with the assistance of the Ministry of Health is ongoing for interested residents. A sur-vey on dog ownership is also currently underway to inform future community planning and policy development.
To report non -emergency issues in the interim,
residents may call the Ministry of Housing hotline, newly formed Ministry of Housing hotline, 246- 8400.
For emergencies, the Bermuda Housing Corporation
should be contacted directly.
In the coming weeks we will provide further updates on the next -steps , timelines and how residents
can remain informed and engaged throughout the planning process.

Legislative Reform
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, the Ministry will be pursuing amendments to the Acquisition of
Land Act 1970 and the Bermuda Housing Act 1980 with
the objective of streamlining the process for reclaiming
vacant and derelict properties. The intent of these legislative changes is to provide a mechanism to increase
the available housing stock.
To this end, the Ministry will work in close partnership with the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, as well as the ministries responsible for the Department of Land Valuation, Land Title Registry and the
Department of Planning.

Municipal Reform

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, the Government remains committed to moderni sing and
strengthening Bermuda’s municipal governance to bet-ter serve our communities . While it would be premature
at this time to outline any definitive changes to the
structure of the municipalities , we are awaiting a ruling
from the Privy Council . Until that decision is handed
down , the Government will continue to support the ongoing operations of the municipalities and provide assistance at a strategic level to ensure alignment with
broader public policy objectives . Once legal clarity is
achieved , we are prepared to move forward in a
898 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly deliberate and effective manner , engaging in full consultation with the municipalities throughout the process .

Bermuda Land Management Corporation

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: In the year ahead the OMC
will focus on completing several major infrastructure
projects , advancing key strategic initiatives . The North
Arm tug dock enhancement is on track for completion
by early 2025, while t he $22 million redevelopment of
King’s Wharf fully funded by Norwegian Cruise Line, is
set to begin in October 2025 and conclude in March
2026. I n the east , final works on the water and waste
infrastructure project will enable sewage transfer from
St. George’s to South side by June.
Additionally , four renovated residential units
are scheduled to return to the market by the end of July
2025, contributing to BLMC’s continued residential occupancy rate of over 95 per cent. T he corporation will
also finali se the leasehold to freehold transition for 38
residential units in St. David's during this fiscal year .
With strong financial self -sufficiency and sustained
housing demand , BLMC remains well positioned to
support growth and to deliver on its mandate across
both ends of the I sland .

Morgan's Point Development Company

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, as you
are aware, the Morgan’ s Point Development Company ,
a government -owned entity established under the Morgan's Point Development Company Act 2022, is leading the phased and financially self-sustaining redevelopment of the former Caroline Bay site. This initiative
follows the collapse of the Caroline Bay luxury resort
project which left the Government with significant financial obligations under the original developers , after the
original developers defaulted on a $165 million guarantee, resulting in over $200 million in public expenditure
and annual interest payments of approximately $7.7
million .
In response, MPDC has identified key priorities
for 2025/26 including commissioning a formal land valuation, finali sing legal easements , and rights of way,
reestablishing a cohesive site vision and architectural
design , complete the assessment of future use of the
five partially developed residential units (R1 through
R5) conducting a construction compliance survey and
undertaking site cleanup to ensure safety and readi-ness for future development phases .
In closing, Madam Chairman, this Government
stands firmly on the principle that every Bermudian de-serves a safe, secure and affordable place to call
home. A s we move forward with purpose and determination, we are guided by a simple yet powerful truth,
our people come first .
The Ministry has significant work ahead in the
coming year and we remain fully committed to the provision of affordable housing for all those in need . Madam Chairman, this concludes my presentation on
Head 90, Ministry of H ousing and M unicipalities .
Thank you.

Okay. Thank you.

HEAD 53 —BERMUDA HOUSING CORPORATION
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Chairman.
I would like to go ahead and present the budget
for Head 53, Bermuda Housing Corporation , found on
pages B-322 and C -22 of the approved E stimates of
Revenue and Expenditure.

Mission

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the mission statement of the Bermuda H ousing Corporation is ,
To provide accessibility to adequate, affordable housing and promote independent living to enhance the
quality of life in Bermuda.
The vision statement of the Bermuda Housing
Corporation is, Every Bermudian will reside in an adequate and safe environment.
Madam Chairman, the Bermuda Housing Corporation, BHC, will be receiving three grant allocations
this fiscal year to support both its operational and capital requirements .
First, Madam Chairman, the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities allocates and an operational
grant that is utili sed to subsidi se the following :
• the annual cost of repairs and normal maintenance of the BHC properties ;
• support services for famil ies and individuals ;
• rental assistance via rent -geared -to-income clients of the corporation; and
• for the continuation of the H.U.S.T.L.E. Tr uck
Progra mme.
BHC is budgeted to receive an operational
grant of $6,640,000 as noted on pages B -322 and C -
22. This represents an increase of $90,000 which will
help cover operational costs including energy and other related expenses .
The second grant B HC is budgeted to receive
is a capital grant , cost centre 75332 of $10,500,000
found on page C -22. An increase, Madam Chairman,
of $2.7 million from the previous year . The capital grant
will be used to pay for the interest and principal amounts due on the corporation’ s outstanding bank
loans . It will also be used for small capital projects o n
BHC properties , such as


Bermuda House of Assembly • new transformers for Fenton Drive and P erimeter Lane, $450,000;
• the addition of an elevator at Prospect Apartments , $200,000;
• roof, kitchen and electrical repairs at Gulfstream , $900,000;
• bathroom and room upgrades at Langley
House, $571,356;
• BHC building upgrades about $ 300,000;
• Vehicles , $90,000;
• computer and equipment , $80,000;
• and furniture and fixtures, $30,000.
The third grant BHC is budgeted to receive is
the B HC Residential Housing Grant, cost centre 75320
in the amount of $6.5 million, that's listed on page C -
22. This funding will be allocated to phase four of the
Residential Building Program me.
I invite Honourable Members to recall that in
October 2022 the Government announced the launch
of the Residential Building Programme as previously
stated . Over the course of this three- and-a-half-year initiative spanning the fiscal years 2022/23 through
2025/26, BHC is set to complete the refurbishment of
137 residential units . This includes the addition of 77
new affordable rental units with the overall project esti-mated at a cost of $21,605,000.
Madam Chairman, there are no other changes
between the 2024/ 25 and 2025/ 26 grant allocation. As
a reminder , Madam Chair man, the primary functions of
the BHC are to provide housing in Bermuda, to promote
home ownership , to undertake and carry out housing
schemes , and to undertake such other functions in connection with housing as the Minister responsible for
Housing may require.
The Bermuda Housing Corporation administers a range of program mes in pursuit of its mission including the management and leasing of a substantial
inventory of properties comprising of houses , apartments and building blocks . These properties include
both those owned by the corporation and others leased
from the private sector . The BHC manages approximately 533 government and private sector residential
units Island -wide and eight transitional homes comprising 177 rooms . In addition to these, the BHC also manages 151 leasehold units at Alexandr a Road, Mary Victoria Road, Greenwich Lane and Cedar Park , along
with 94 new units at the Bermudiana Beach Residences.
Madam Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight several of the program mes and initiatives currently being implemented by the BHC to
maintain, support and expand its housing stock . The
corporation has entered into a public -private partnership with Clarien B ank, known as the H omeStart programme to support hard- working Bermudians in
achieving home ownership . To date , the programme
has successfully assisted over 30 Bermudian families
in becoming first -time homeowners . The initiative has
proven effective in making properties available for purchase at affordable prices . I am pleased to report ,
Madam Chairman, that the number will soon rise to 32
as two additional families are expected to complete
their closings in the coming weeks .
Through this partnership properties within the
portfolios of either Clari en Bank or the Bermuda Housing Corporation that require repairs are listed on the
BHC website under the HomeStart programme. T he initiative is designed specifically for first -time homeowners and offers 100 per cent mortgage financing . The
BHC provides a guarantee to Clarien B ank on the f irst
25 per cent of each mortgage making the programme
both accessible and secure for new homeowners .
The corporation in partnership with Age Concern and the Government of Bermuda continues to
support our valued seniors and persons with disabilities
through a programme designed to help families care for
their vulnerable loved ones . This initiative enables individuals to remain in their own homes with dignity by
providing interest free loans up to $15,000 repayable
over a period of no more than 10 years . This funding is
for the purchase of furniture, fixtures and fittings , and/or
to make modifications or renovations to their home
which would make it easier for them to remain there
rather than be housed in a senior facility . As a reminder ,
the purpose of the fixture and fittings under this programme are duty free.
Since the inception of the programme, BHC
has provided loans for 35 seniors , for a total amount of
$476,153, or an average of $13,600 per loan. Applications for this programme remain available through the
BHC website at www.bhc.bm or can be collected in person at the corporation's reception desk at the Seven
Arches B uilding , 44 Church St. , Hamilton .
Madam Chairman, the Bermuda Housing Corporation in partnership with the Bermuda C ommercial
Bank has launched a new programme to assist homeowners who have unoccupied units in need of minor repairs and bring them back into the Bermuda rental pool .
The Private Sector Refurbishment Programme will fund
up to $125,000 in refurbishment for the unit with an agreement for a minimum of a seven- year lease to BHC
making the unit available to BHC clients at BHC rents .
The loan will be repaid within the first five years of this
agreement . This is a win -win for all as it brings back
previously unoccupied units , increases the value of
property for the owner , and allows B HC to house tenants on its housing wait list.
As of today we have 13 homeowners interested in the programme with a total of 24 units . We are
working with the first two owners through the process
and hope to have these units out to tender shortly .
Once these are underway , we will start with the next
two to three owners . If anyone is interested in this programme, they can apply through the B HC website at
www.bhc.bm under the Private Sector Refurbishment
Rental Programme and select the “R efurbishment ” option.
900 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Madam Chairman, the Bermud iana B each
Residences is now actively welcoming residents . As of
20 May 2025, twenty -three condominiums are occupied including four studios , nine one-bedroom units , six
two-bedroom units , and four three- bedroom units . Additionally , 10 more leases have been signed with tenants scheduled to move in shortly . This represents a
35 per cent occupancy rate of the 94 available units
which is a highly encouraging start , given that the property only opened in March of this year and has not y et
required any advertising .
Final occupancy certificates have been issued
for buildings B , C, D, E, F, G, H, and J confirming their
approved use as condominiums under the condo hotel
model . While classification codes vary , all buildings are
intended for the same purpose—supporting both shor t -
and long -term occupancy . A Change of Use application
has been submitted to the Planning Department and is
currently under review . This is required because the
property is transitioning from a condo hotel use under the tourism category to a residential use only .
Madam Chairman, as mentioned previously ,
the B HC also manages and controls the H.U.S.T.L.E.
Truck Programme, the acronym for Helping the Unemployed Sustain Themselves with Limited Employment ,
which has been in successful operation since 2007.
This year , Madam Chairman, marks the 18
th anniversary of the programme. The programme has helped
over 2 ,015 unemployed Bermudians in need with short -
term temporary employment and assisted them with
finding full -time jobs . In addition , the programme has
provided much va lued assistance to our seniors , community groups , churches , schools and neighbourhoods .
Madam Chairman, I'm pleased to give a final
update on the work completed as it relates to the
$1,664,000 as part of the Government's Economic
Stimulus Grant in 2021/ 22. There was a total of seven
properties included in this programme all of which have
been completed . And they are:
• 1 Rock Oven Lane, St. David's —four bedroom ,
two bathrooms , $405,000
• 5 Captain Fox, St. David's —three bedrooms ,
two bathrooms , $88,000
• 15 Tommy F ox, St. David ’s—four bedrooms ,
two bathrooms , $43,000
• Ripon C ottage , St. George's —three bedrooms ,
two bathrooms , $89,000
• Regent House, St. George ’s—four bedrooms ,
two bathrooms , $95,000
• Harmony Block B , Paget —eight s tudios ,
$800,000
• Battery [Road] Lofts in Saint David's —three
studios and one two-bedroom , $444,000
Madam Chairman, to date the Bermuda Housing Corporation has received a grant of $13,550,000 for
the first three phases of the Government's Residential
Building Programme. T hese phases encompassed 25
projects delivering a total of 94 residential units , 49 of which will be new additions to the BHC's rental stock
while 45 involve the refurbishment of currently occu-pied units . The following 13 projects have been completed :
• 5 Aunt Ji nny's Lane, St. David's —four bedroom , two bathrooms , $350,000, complete d
June 2023
• 18 North Shore Road, Smith ’s—two apartment
house, $218,124, completed July 2023
• 3 Pan Bermuda Unit, Sandys —refurbishing of
these three units in sequence, $326,732, com-pleted August 2023
• Beacon Hill Rooming House, Sandys —conversion of a house to a five- room, five -bathroom
rooming house, $425,000, completed in Sep-tember 2023
• 3 Rock Over Lane, St. David’s —three bedroom, two bathrooms, $458,833, completed October 2023
• Wellington House, St. George’s —three bedroom house, $350,000, completed May 2024 Still more to come, Madam Chairman.
• Unit 25, 15 Mary Victoria Road —one unit,
three bedroom, one bath, completed August 2024 for $250,000
• 3 Alexandra Road —duplex, units 5 and 6, two
units for refurbishing at $250,000 completed
June 2024
• 20 Battery Road —one bedroom cottage, August 2024, $70,000
• 22 Cottage Hill —two Pan Bermuda units refurbishing , $168,063
• 2 Alexand ra Road —apartments , units 35, 36,
37, 38, 41 and 42 refurbished for $280,829
• Moria Apartment number 5—refurbished ,
$63,713, November 2024
• 5 and 7 Alexandr a Road—new stucco,
$96,500 in July 2024.
The remaining 12 projects are in tendering and
planning stages or are underway. These include:
• 18 Battery Road—12 units , $3,350,000. Work
has commenced and we estimate a completion
date in early 2026.
• Harmony Terrace East —12 units , $1,900,000 .
Expected completion is the end of June this
year.
• Chelsea Apartments —five units , $2.968 million. It's out for tender and we expect that to be
finished in 2026.
• 7 Middle Town Road —a four -unit refurbishment out to tender, $775,000. We expect that
to be completed by the end of this year .
• 2 Alexand ra Road—apartments 39 and 40,
$87,500.
• Harmony Terrace North—16 units , $1.3 million
and is in the planning stages and estimated for
completion later next year .


Bermuda House of Assembly • 3 Alexand ra Road—three buildings , stucco ,
$100,00. It is estimated to be complete d this
year.
• 3 Alexand ra Road—units 3 and 4, refurbishing ,
$300,000. We are awaiting relocation of tenants.
• 7 Alexand ra Road—[units] 11, 12, 13 and 14
refurbishing , $300,000, and awaiting relocation
of tenants
• Elliott S treet Apartments —[units] 1 and 2, refurbishment , $600,000. T ender is for design
work .
• Moria Apartments —units 1 to 4 and 6 to 8, refurbishing , $1,020,000. And it is awaiting relocation of tenants .
• 8 Field View Lane—units 1, 2, 6 and 7. Refurbishing as well , $400,000. A nd we are awaiting
relocation of tenants .

Transitional Housing

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chairman, transitional housing . As previously mentioned , the BH C operates eight rooming or transitional houses that contain
approximately 177 beds . The various houses are located throughout the I sland and provide a safe habitat
for BHC clients . The rooming houses cater to households that need immediate, safe or emergency accommodation . These facilities are known as Langley
House, Gulfstream, Victoria Terrace , Union Street ,
7 Middle Town, 9 Middle Town, Roosevelt and Beacon
Hill.
Madam Chairman, the Support Services Department holds regular meetings at the rooming houses
to hear residents’ concerns and address any complaints . Satellite offices at the largest rooming houses
in the Souths ide are utili sed for these meetings , as well
as for conducting support classes for clients who have
fallen on hard times . The support provided includes
economic , social , and psychological guidance, all
aimed at helping occupants transition from the facility
into more traditional forms of living in Bermuda.

Gulfstream: Multi -Unit Rooming House,
Southside, St. David ’s.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the multi -
unit rooming house is comprised of 79 rooms and currently houses 44 families . Some families have adjoining
rooms to ensure adequate privacy for parents and children.
Madam Chairman, refurbishing work is under
way at Gulfstream to improve the overall condition of
the rooms and the infrastructure of the building . Refurbishing will be done in phases as we work on the six
rooms per phase and move clients once each phase is
complete. Once complete, each room will have its own
washroom and will allow for greater privacy and security. At this point, we are pleased to report 12 rooms have been completed and the tenants have moved into these refurbished units. During this fiscal year, plans
are to refurbish the roof, kitchens, and the electrical.

Langley House

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Langley House is a multi -
unit rooming house in Southside St. David's. Madam
Chair man, building 632 Southside St. David's, known
as Langley House, is a 63- bed rooming house facility
located at Southside, St. David's. The rooming house
is used specifically to house men in need of affordable,
safe accommodation. There are currently 43 men residing in the rooming house. The corporation has qualified social workers working out of the satellite offices,
including a former police officer, to monitor and correct
any antisocial behaviours. Similar to the work at Gulfstream, we're in the process of carrying out refurbishing
work at Langley House.
In the previous financial year, the project team
refurbished a set of washrooms and showers, along
with 10 of the residents' rooms, and these were all completed in March this year. We will continue this refur-bishment with another 10 rooms and the second set of
washrooms and showers on the first floor.

Harmony Club

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the corporation is in the process of transforming the Harmony
Club property into studio and one -bedroom units, which
will include intergenerational living, those 50 years and
older who are mobile and can live independently. As
previously stated, construction is completed on the
Harmony Terrace West, with the completion of Harmony Terrace East expected by the end of June 2025.
Work is also underway on the parking lot, the new electrical upgrades, along with the planning and design work for Harmony North.
The Harmony Terrace property is also used as
the H .U.S.T.L.E. Truck offices. Warehouse storage and
the Bonnie- Jean Tweed House used to provide emergency accommodation for people in immediate distress
or in need of immediate rehousing.

Bermuda Housing Corporation S taff
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, t he Bermuda Housing Corporation's head office is located at
the Seven Arches Building, East Entrance, 44 Church
Street, in the City of Hamilton, and presently consists
of 50 personnel. Of that total, three H .U.S.T.L.E. Truck
members operate from the office space at the Harmony
Club, and five staff members under the Support Services and Property Operations Department operate off -
site at the Satellite Office at the Southside Complex.
The current structure of the BHC c onsists of eight departments : Project Management, Property Operations,
Finance Collections and Homeownership Services,
902 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Support Services, Administration, Human Resources,
Information Technology, and the H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck.
Madam Chair man, the Project Management
Department assists with the advice regarding repair
work, necessary on existing buildings and owned by
the corporation to ensure longevity of the c orporation 's
assets. Project Managers oversee the multiple dwellings that come under the BHC's remit to ensure effective and cost -conscious maintenance programmes
keep the units in a safe and healthy state. The department consists of two Project Managers, one Senior
Project Manager, and one Senior Property Administration Off icer.
They are also responsible for the initial drawings of projected capital projects, as well as project management of the properties through to its completion. As mentioned previously, with the Economic Stimulus Grant, residential building programme repairs and
the renovation of the rooming houses, day -to-day work
on our rental units, including make- readies, this team
performs at the very highest of standards.

Property Operations
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chai rman , the Property Operations Department is responsible for maintenance of BHC's current housing stock of 710 units, including the rooming houses I sland -wide. The department's responsibilities include the regular maintenance
of the buildings under the control of BHC and providin g
advice and assistance to clients of BHC on housing -
related matters. The department is comprised of four
Property Officers, six Maintenance Officers, one Building Officer, and one Administrative A ssistant.
The department conducts regular maintenance
checks of buildings under the management of the c orporation and is responsible for small maintenance
works, along with coordinating more difficult tasks with
the trusted and able contractors. Last year, the Property Operations Department completed approximately
3,095 maintenance requests. The requests fo r maintenance that this capable department handles are wideranging. They tackle everything from simple plumbing,
electrical, water, sewage, and roof repairs, to landscaping, painting, flooring, and major renovations. They do
a great job.

The Finance Department
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the Finance Department has a total staff of eight employees,
consisting of one CFO and one Financial Controller,
one Assistant Financial Controller, one Senior Finance Officer, three Finance Officers, and one Cashier. The
Finance Department carefully monitors the corporation's spending and compliance, ensuring that policies
and procedures are adhered to and that clients act responsibly in paying their bills in a timely manner. The
Finance Department fields questions of financial nature, providing mortgage advice, and assists clients
with the understanding of their financial obligations to the corporation.

Support Services Department

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the Support Services Department is the department responsi-ble for ensuring that adequate housing is found for BHC
clients. The department conducts regular inspections of
BHC housing inventory to ensure clients are compliant
with their rental contracts. T he department consists of
14 people, one Manager, one Senior Social Worker, four Social Workers, one Senior Leasing Agent, one
Leasing Agent, four Rental Inspectors, one Intake Officer, and one Intake Administrator.
There is a current wait -list for BHC's accommodation of 376. This number is steadily increasing year over year. The Support Services Department offers a
myriad of services to clients that include money management, housekeeping, social and behavioural problem eradication, child care, and health and safety guidance.
In addition, the department offers advice on
support from other agencies that stand ready to assist
clients who are in need of professional counselling.

Administration Department
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the Administration Department consists of the General Manager, one Executive Assistant, one Receptionist, two
Office Assistants. The Administration Department is responsible for the orderly daily business of the corpora-tion.

Human Resource Department

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the Human Resource [HR] Department has a total staff of two.
The HR Department ensures that staff members have
the required skills to carry out their daily roles efficiently
and successfully as the corporation ensures employee
welfare and provides mentoring and training services.

Information Technology Department
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the Information Technology Department has a total staff of two.
The IT Department ensures that the c orporation maintains its high standard of delivery and support in the
provisions of the IT service to all its stakeholders.

Helping Unemployed Sustain Themselves with
Limited Employment —The H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Madam Chair man, the
H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck programme has proven itself over
the years, assisting unemployed persons who actively


Bermuda House of Assembly seek work. The H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck headquarters operates out of Harmony Club and caters to 20 temporary
employees per week.
The H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck continues to be a valuable assistance to Bermuda with the ability to adjust
to the needs of the community as they arise. The
H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck programme allows 20 people per
week through the year, with persons able to remain in
the programme for up to three months per year, taking
one week off each month to seek regular employment.
At this level, the corporation is able to rotate through
approximately 260 different people per year.
The programme is available for any unemployed Bermudians. The H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck office
keeps a database of information on the unemployed
and their skill sets for the specific purpose of making a
good fit when partnering with employers. The
H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck office regularly receives requests
from employers for qualified and suitable potential employees.
Upon receipt of requests, the database is
checked and those people who have the required qualifications are sent to the interviews in the hope of
achieving full -time traditional employment.
Madam Chair man, the Bermuda Housing Corporation continues to play a vital role in our society by
supporting some of our most vulnerable members of
the community, including seniors, individuals with mental health challenges, former inmates, young people
and those experiencing financial hardship. This commitment has remained steadfast, particularly in the
challenging times marked by economic uncertainty, global supply chain disruptions and rising prices. The
reality is clear. The more difficulties Bermuda fac es, the
greater the demand for essential services provided by the Bermuda Housing Corporation.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere
gratitude to Chairman Thomas Famous and the Board
of Directors, CEO Mr. Paul Martin and the entire management team and staff of the Bermuda Housing Corporation for the tremendous work that they continue to
do in the service for the people of Bermuda.
Thank you, Madam Chair man.

Thank you, Minister D e Silva, for your
comprehensive delivery of your briefs.
At this time, I would like to ask if there's any
Member who wishes to speak to the debate on Municipalities and Housing , Heads 90 and 53.
I recognise the member from constituency 20,
MP Michael Fah y.

Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Chair man,
and thank you to the Minister for his comprehensive
brief. With the number of projects, I had to write furiously, so I seek early forgiveness if I'm asking some
questions that may be repetitive because I can't make
notes that quickly. With that said —
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: Hey, hey, no, no. T hat's okay.
That’s okay. The Minister has given a lot of detail on a
lot of projects, which is very helpful.
Madam Chair man, I am going to leap around a
little in terms of some of the questions, and again, bear
with me on that. In the first instance, if we look at page
B-322, which is the mission statement for the Bermuda
Housing Corporation, that's Head 53. The mission
statement, I just flagged this because it doesn't match what they say on the Bermuda Housing Corporation
website as mission statement.
This mission statement says rental and mortgage assistance. The Minister's brief did expand upon that. The BHC website says that the [mission of the]
BHC is To provide accessibility to adequate and affordable housing and to promote independent living to en-hance the quality of life in Bermuda, and I don't think
that was exactly what the Minister read either, so
there's . . . maybe we can seek some clarity on that. It
may be . . . but again, I'm only hearing as quickly as I
can, but either way, it doesn't mat ch this [Budget] B ook.
And then again, the department objectives to
provide affordable housing for Bermuda's residents . I
suspect it's a little bit more narrow than Bermuda's residents, because I think, in fact, what the BHC's mission
is in the department objectives is to make sure that
every Bermudian has access to affordable housing , or
words to that effect, which is obviously quite admirable .
But again, just important to get these things correct, I
think.
The Minister made mention of the numbers,
which was the primary question, and that's , How many
people are on the waiting list ? I think the Minister said
376 for Bermuda Housing Corporation. And the question that comes from that is , presumably there is a system in place where individuals who are on the waiting list for, say, the Bermuda Housing Corporation, are not
also on lists, I think, for example, with the Bermuda
Land Management Corporation, some of the housing
that may or may not be managed by that, and indeed
the Bermuda Housing Trust. Are we making sure that
there's not multiples listed in different waiting lists ? And
presumably the various civil servants and those involved in the various quangos are cross -referencing information.
In terms of waiting lists, particularly with the
Bermuda Housing Corporation, What's the average
waiting time for people on that list? And I posed similar
questions this morning when a Statement was read by
the Minister, so there shouldn't be any surprise that I'm going to press those questions again. And presumably
the Minister had an opportunity from this morning to get
answers to those other questions from his Statement
this morning, because they're going to be the same.
What's the average waiting time f or people on these
lists?
904 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly And this is quite important, Madam Chair man,
because, again, the Minister did make reference to the
Urban Development Conference last week (or maybe it
was two weeks ago now, time flies ) where a number of
statistics were kind of presented by various presenters
saying that, look, if we're going to grow the economy, if
we're going to try and take care of those that are already in need, we need at least 2,500 homes, or ability
for people to have a home in some way, shape, or form.
And notwithstanding the huge amount of work
that the Bermuda Housing Corporation has to under-take, again, I just flag that it is the urgency and the requirement for further housing. When you're looking at
numbers of 2,500 housing required, you've got peopl e
on waiting lists, it's an absolutely big deal. As it is, the
BHC on those numbers is managing an incredibly large
portfolio with, and you're not going to often hear me say
things about whether or not there's the right number of
staff, but given the Minis ter's brief, it sounds like they're
doing a whole lot with not maybe a full complement of
staff to undertake the work. And, again, a question that
arises from that is their intent to increase those staff,
given that there's likely to be more homes that are going to come online in time.
In terms of housing opportunities and a housing ladder, Are there going to be any plans based on
the policy and objectives from the HQ? And I'm just going to read out that department objective, so I link it
back, Madam Chair man, before you ask me where I'm
going. It says one of the department objectives of the
HQ, again, is to deliver essential logistical financial ad-ministrative support to the Ministry headquarters and its constituent entities, and obviously it guides the Ministry's initiatives through col laboration with government
agencies and key and public stakeholders.
In a lot of jurisdictions, you have the kind of
lease- to-buy, and the reason I'm asking this question is
if the Bermuda Housing Corporation has, I think the
number, again, was in excess of 700 units or 710 units
on their books —

[Inaudible interjection]
Hon. Michael Fahy: Yes. If individuals or families are
staying in these units long -term, maybe they're there
for years, again, what's the average time that people are in BHC housing, whether that's a studio, one- bedroom, two -bedroom, but what's the average time?
And the reason for that then becomes, is someone, once they're on the BHC ladder, always on the
BHC ladder? In other words, maybe they join as a single person, they're not able to afford something, they're
in a studio, they have a family, they have children, do they just stay in that ? Or are there opportunities to say,
look, we have a massive amount of expenditure on
these 710 units. If people are there in those units long -
term, Is there opportunity for purchase once they're
paying some of that rent ? And is that something that
the Government would be prepared to consider even further? I think that's something that I'd certainly like to
see.
The private sector rental programme, this was
from the BHC website, and that programme, if you de-cide that you wish to have your property listed, you go to the BHC, presumably, they look, and from what I
could gather, they don't take on, quite rightly, pro perties
that need major works, but guaranteed payment each month. BHC manages the tenants for you, and you can
have a scheme of optional property maintenance. What
are the fees involved on that particular scheme if people are asking for these optional prop erty maintenance
and things like that? Is there a fee schedule that people look at and say, okay, I'm prepared to go in with this?
Now, how many houses are in that scheme that
people have said, I own this property, I'm going to han d it over to the BHC for them to manage and get tenants
in, and it becomes not my problem? The w ebsite says
that if you are part of that scheme, those properties are
leased for a year . Again, is that the right amount of
time? Is there consideration for more? Or is it, again, if
you're on the housing ladder looking for more, maybe
that's why it's a year.
But this was the interesting number, it says on
that website, that rents for studios . . . again, this is
about affordable housing, $900 to $1,000 for a studio, a one bedroom is $1,100 to $1,500, a two bedroom
$1,400 to $1,900, a three bedroom $1,650 to $2,400.
How are those figures calculated in terms of what that
means?
I then compare that and those figures, Madam
Chair man, to the Bermudiana housing complex (I will
call it that ) where I seem to recall what the Minister said
is the numbers for those units started around $3,400 or thereabouts, depending on the unit size, I suppose.
Maybe the Minister could give some clarity on if this is
about affordable housing, and if you are inv olved with
the private housing scheme, or sorry, I forget the name
of it—the Private Sector Rental Programme, and those
are the numbers quoted of $900 to $1,100 for a studio,
and taking those numbers, the numbers are off. That's
not affordable.
Notwithstanding what the Minister's numbers
are at the Bermudiana Resort, based again on his brief,
because I can't get into the details in the Budget Book,
I'm going strictly on the Minister's brief, that there's going to be uptake. We're looking at trying to have affordable housing, and we'll get into that a little bit more.
Again, just looking through the BHC's website,
there were a number of properties there that were listed for sale that appear to be part of the HomeStart programme, where someone can purchase. And on that,
there were only four units for sale. They were last listed
in April, including a commercial building. Again, maybe
. . . I'm just wondering how these homes get onto these
. . . how are homes selected to get into that website, to
go on and someone says, I am interested in purchasing this property from BHC? And is there a list of people
who have indicated a desire to buy some of these BHC -


Bermuda House of Assembly listed properties? What's the process of that? I just
couldn't follow that.
And in that programme, how many were sold in
the last fiscal year with the HomeStart programme? If
that's . . . you go on the site and say you have an interest in the property, and how many might be thought
about for the coming year?
I have a very specific question for the M inister,
because I didn't hear anything in the brief when we talk about individual buildings. Now, I will say, the M inister
and his team did provide a very comprehensive listing
on our parliamentary questions a couple of weeks ago
of the properties that are listed with BHC and the
BLMC, Bermuda Land Management Corporation.
I just query about Bishop Spencer, and I'm
wondering if the Minister can opine on that this evening,
because the Bishop Spencer property over the years was designated for housing. I mean, in fact, I took a real
interest in it when I was M inister . It wasn't my M inistry ;
and I worked with Minister Cannonier at the time on trying to find a solution for it . And it didn't work.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: We can get into that. There wasn't
a lot of desire in some areas of government to have the
Salvation Army run it, and sometimes you get blocks
you just can't clear on time.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: With that said, and thank you, I'll
go there later , because that's the type of property.
Now, I understand that that property is now a
private entity that will have dormitories, presumably for staff, presumably for guest workers, and my question is
not in any way disparaging whoever is, in fact, renting
that property.

Thank you to MP Renee Ming, who's
just left the Chair, having chaired the beginning of the
debate. This is a three- hour debate on the Ministry of
Housing and Municipalities. We've heard from the Honourable Minister Zane De Silva. We're now hearing
questions, initial questions, from the Honourable
Shadow Minister Michael Fah y, and this is in relation to
heads, I think, Heads 90 and 53.
Please continue, Honourable Shadow Minister.

Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you.
So, again, specifically about Bishop Spencer,
and if it is leased, what's the length of the term of that lease? Because that seemed to be a major opportunity for emergency or transitional housing. I think that's an
opportunity lost.
In terms of the tabling of financials for BHC, I'm
not sure when the last set , I didn't see the most up -todate set online, I don't think. Maybe the Minister . . . it
has not yet been tabled for BHC annual report and up -
to-date audited financials. I would like to know where I
can find them, if they're there, because I didn't find
them . But when will they be tabled in the House? And
that would be the same with the Bermuda Land Management Corporation. I presume that they would probably be tabled at some point as separate entities because this merger of WEDCO and BLDC has just come
almost to completion.
Mr. Chair man, given that we have such a
homeless issue in Bermuda, and I think we can all agree it is a very serious problem , I wonder if the Minister would comment on the annual report from HOME.
And I say that, again, linking things back to the objec-tives, where the Ministry works with constituents, entities, and other parties, where their annual report said,
for 31 December 2024, that at least 1,100 people are
experiencing homelessness and if the Minister's departments agree with that assessment, and whether or not there would be increased collaboration with an entity like HOME. I specifically ask, because going
through their report, and I can provide this to the Minister, but if I may, Mr. Chair man, I would like to just
quickly read a piece from that, and I can provide to the
Minister.

Please.

Hon. Michael Fahy: HOME says in their report that,
“Subject to appropriate approval of Government commitment and funding, ” (is going to,) “commence preparations for capital work and operations to provide services and accommodation to (a) men experiencing
housing insecurity and their vulnerable children and
(b) single men exiting the criminal justice system . Secure a property from the Government of Bermuda for
the purposes of providing low barrier housing,” (and
they term that as ) “to provide shelter to indi viduals experiencing homelessness by using a harm reduction
approach and removing or diminishing barriers to entry
and continued residency. Such a project depends on
adequate inter -agency cooperation, resourcing and
funding, and will not proceed without these dependen-cies in place. ”
I am just wondering if discussions have been
held between the Ministry and HOME , given that
HOME says in their report that they want to do all of
these things, some of which will overlap with G overnment initiatives . And again, given that there is not an
endless pot of resources for housing in Bermuda, that
work is done in tight collaboration with HOME to make
sure that we are not doubling up on the resources . And
if, in fact, a property has been identified, that would
906 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly either be, I don't know, leased, given, sold to HOME for
the purposes of what their initiatives are.
Again, the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Chairman, has said Bermuda needs to build approximately
2,500 homes. That was one of their numbers that they
provided, I think, at the Budget Breakfast. If the target
population is around 70,000, based on numbers that
the Government has said over time, that there is a desire to increase jobs, et cetera, and the Minister has
said in his brief that, of course, housing is not just about
emergency housing. It's also ensuring that we have adequate housing for everybody, essent ially, that's coming into Bermuda and residents and Bermudians to
make sure that we have the adequate support in place.
Again, would the Minister accept, based on the
numbers that we are hearing, [that] 2,500 additional
units [are] required? Because if in fact the Minister does
agree, we have a drop in the ocean, and we have a
massive amount still to do. So, I would look for some
clarity on that.
Just turning briefly to the Bermudiana housing
complex, I am just going to go through some notes
based on what the Minister had said. And he said that
in terms of occupancy, obviously, there are 94 units in total at that place, 35 per cent occupancy, 23 units are
I think occupied, and 10 are in progress. Studio , one-,
two-, three- , four- . . . sorry, studio , one-, two-, and
three- bedrooms. Can the Minister advise if there are
any further costs related to this development that have
not yet been brought to this House? Because I think the
last number we heard was about $100 million has been
spent on this. And again, not to be churlish, but if you have a $6.5 million grant for capital contributions, and
we are spending $100 million somewhere else, that is
a small amount of money, really, if it's going to cost
$100 million. I don't expect that housing that's supposed to be affordable will be costing what is now in
excess of $100 million. When you look at the numbers,
that's what? One . . . Did the numbers 1.094, whatever
it is, per unit on average? That's not sustainable.
So, again, the Minister is very keen, as are we
on this side, to see housing be available and affordable .
What, if anything , is the BHC going to put in place to
ensure that this kind of, I guess, overrun doesn't hap-pen again to the extent that it appears to have been?
Again, if we are investing in affordable units . . .
because what we have also heard in relation to a requirement for further units of housing, Mr. Chair man, is
that if we want more, if we need more people in Bermuda, then it is up to the private sector to kind of start
helping and ensuring that there's more housing stock.
But, again, you need to have the right policies in place
to get people to build. It is a chicken- and-egg thing. So,
again, it's not just a simple matter of throwing money.
There is that r equirement for a master plan.
Now, we did hear the Minister make mention of
that, and the Minister says there's going to be a master plan; we're not going to wait for the master plan, because time is of the essence—or words to that effect. The Minister can forgive me if I haven't got his quote
quite correct, but I think it's close enough. What does that mean in practi ce?
Well, again, and I dislike when I hear these
things . We are going to have yet another survey that
we are going to hear about what's wrong, and we are
going to have these people tell us, when we've done
this consultation process, that we need more housing.
It just seems to go round and round and round. We
know that housing is required. We know that there
should be ladders of opportunity . When you have housing people remain. And, again, we need to link all of
those things together.
So, a question about . . . just going back to the
Bermudiana. Perhaps the Minister can shed further
light on this issue that was mentioned in his brief as to
the improper designation for the Bermudiana. It would
seem as if units have been sold and occupied, perhaps
without the proper planning, final permissions in pl ace.
Has that had any effect on the individuals that are occupying those residences? And, if so, what are they?
And, presumably, any applications would have had to
have been conducted and undert aken by the BHC, not
the individual unit holders. It started as a tourism project. I don't think that those units were then leased on
the basis of a tourism project. I suspect it's an administrative oversight. But, if it is, what's the timeline now for
the proper documentation to be in place?
Can the Minister confirm as well in relation to
that particular development, as to whether or not all of
the units that are rented, or likely to be rented, are reserved for Bermudians, or spouses of Bermudians ? Or
is it, Look, this is the cost. It's not necessarily falling
within the bands of what can be deemed affordable. I'm
not sure. Let's just get clarity on exactly what this development now is, because we also know that G overnment really probably shouldn't be involved in these
kinds of schemes, where it's not just about affordable
housing. It seems to be something that's more suited
for the private sector. But, again, I'm sure clarity can be
given.
So, a quote, if I may, Mr. Chair man.

Please.

Hon. Michael Fahy: And the Minister will be familiar
with this quote, because it's his . And it was from a press
conference in April, where he said, “In the coming
weeks, ” (this was, I think, at the Bermudiana housing
estate,) “ we will present a medium to long -term housing
strategy focused on,” (the following priorities,) “affordable rental developments ,” (targeted at) “low to middle -
income households, rent -geared -to-income programmes for working families, innovative use of land and derelict buildings, public -private partnerships to expand housing opportunities, and new solutions to address the needs of single parents and young Bermudians trying to enter the housing market.”


Bermuda House of Assembly Is that the strategic plan the Minister is now
saying will take some time? What's the timeline for that
final plan?
There was a lot that was said in April. There
was a lot that was said in the brief. Urgency is now. I
accept that. The Minister has said words to that effect.
But we are waiting. The people of Bermuda are waiting.
And I'm not sure that we can wait six months, a year,
eighteen months, for a strategic master plan that then
takes, what, another eighteen months to implement.
So, the Minister wants to race forward, but he
may very well be restricted in his ability to race forward,
Mr. Chairman, based on the outcome of this strategic
master plan.
The Minister has made mention of the grant.
And again, I think if you look at page C-22 the BHC
capital grant was $10.5 million. Now, I think the Minister
made mention of what those grants were for. I don't
think that they were for new housing builds. I think what
I had heard was that they were for transformers and
other upgrades and things that are absolutely necessary. But maybe he can confirm that, in fact, it's not a
new capital project of new builds with new homes.
Under the Bermuda Housing Act, Mr. Chairman, much like any of these corporations that the Minister has oversight and responsibility for, because it is
a heavy M inistry on oversight of q uangos, which is why
the Budget Book for this Minister's Ministry is like four
pages plus his grants, a lot of what's to be done is em-bedded with quangos. And just for the public, if I may,
that's BHC, that's Bermuda Housing Trust, that's the
Bermuda Land Management Company, it's the two cor-porations, and it's the Morgan Point Development Company. However, those entities can be given direction
from the Minister, and there are pieces that come with
that in respect of how a Minister is to use his direction
powers to direct the q uangos.
Now, perhaps, perhaps the Minister will be
considering those powers, since the Minister desires
moving quickly. Has the Minister given any direction to
the Bermuda Housing Corporation under the Act of his
ability to give direction? And did his immediate predecessor give any written directions on certain projects?
Or have things just essentially been delegated to the
board? Which is quite proper under the Act, by the way.
I'm not insinuating anything here. I'm just curious, as given that the powers exist, we wish to move quickly,
the Government wishes to move quickly, whether or not
such considerations have been given.
I am just going to turn to municipalities. And
more specifically, I'm going to look, put my correct
glasses on and see if my colleagues from St. George's
are in the . . . yes. Because I see under the budget
grant, and again, I'll just take those that are following in
the Budget Book. Again, it's the Grants under page C22, the Corporation of St. George's is going to get an
$800,000 grant —

Yes. Hon. Michael Fahy: —which is the same sum as the
previous year.
Now, on Sunday, I went up to St. George's and
actually had a wander around Fort Albert, which I have
to say is incredibly impressive from the work that was done by the St. George's Foundation, I think. And it really is . I would encourage anyone that has gone up and
is interested in forts to really explore it. You can.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: It says, “at your own risk. ” I'm not
going to go there at nighttime. I can tell you, it would be
a scary place. It's not well lit from what I can tell. But
there' s . . . it's very impressive. And I say that because
we also have to be thinking about, under the municipal-ities, the Minister has the opportunity to give directions
under the Municipalities Act. Section 7AA gives the
Minister power to give directions to a c orporation.
The reason I raise this is because there is also
a report that I think the M inister, I am sure, has seen
and read because it was tabled in this House a year
ago, and that is the Historic Town of St. George's and
Related Fortifications Study and Report of the Joint
World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS Advisory Mission
that was conducted through, or their study was conducted 25 to 28 March 2024.
Now, for anyone, honestly, who spends time in
St. George's . . . there is so much history in St.
George's. It's a wonderful place to go. There are M embers that we hear from every week who tell us this, and
I agree . . . for the most part.

Not as nice as Somerset.

Hon. Michael Fahy: But it's crumbling. St. George's is
crumbling.
And notwithstanding anything that may or may
not come out of a Privy Council decision—I'm not goin g
there before anyone urges me to be careful — there are
probably not sufficient sums for St. George's to do the
type of works that are required to ensure that St.
George's retains its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, especially surrounding forts and the like.
Now, I did hear the Minister say in his presentation that the $800,000 grant is relating to road paving
and some of those types of things. I suppose that grant
has been given on the basis that it's going to be used
for that, and maybe the M inister can confirm that that
grant of $800,000 has been given on the basis that
other works such as road resurfacing and things are
being undertaken.
But there is also, for those of you who don't remember, the [Corporation of St. George’s] ( UNESCO
World Heritage Fund and Levy ) Act 2013. And that is a
tax that is essentially levied on fuel that comes into
Ferry Reach for the benefit of St. George's. And the
concern there, of course, is that it fluctuates based on
fuel prices . And we have got a lower tax levy now. So
908 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly presumably the town of St. George's will get less
money from that. And that money, Mr. Chair man, is to
be utilised for the protection of the forts and things in
and around St. George's. I believe it's around about
$300,000. That is not enough. So, if we are going to
say that we . . . again, I'm treading a little bit outside,
but it relates to the grant and the Minister's opportunity.

Yes, page C -22.

Hon. Michael Fahy: Yes, it relates to the M inister's opportunity to give directions.
If St. George's is going to be the kind of the
jewel in the crown if you will, for international recogni-tion, because of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, we have to be doing a lot more. And no matter what
happens in June, whichever form the governanc e of the
town of St. George's takes, we need more money for
the town of St. George's.
I felt that when I was M inister we did not have
enough. And that was why, in 2013, we brought in the UNESCO World Heritage Fund and Levy Act under the,
and I'm going to call them out, under the idea and
thought of a former Member , Mr. Bascom e. And I'm
sure there were others who have thought about it over
the years, but he pressured me greatly back then to
bring something in for the town. We just need more.
That fund is administered by the Corporation of St.
George's, as is their grant. But again, the M inister can
clarify in relation to that.
Now, given the Minister's responsibility for the
municipality, so that's the Corporation of St. George's and the Corporation of Hamilton, and that s ection 7AA
of the Municipalities Act 1923 a s amended, the M inister—and this is just the section from the Act—[section
7AA(1)], “The Minister may give written directions to a
Corporation, whether of a general or of a specific character, if he considers it to be in the best interests of Ber-muda for him to do so, and the Corporation shall carry
out any such direct ions. ”
It is a very powerful tool . Has the M inister considered using those tools for the purposes of encouraging there to be grant money for housing or the like
within the corporations? Because the Minister has said,
rightly so, he wants to move swiftly. He has power under this A ct within the corporations to move swiftly.
Now, on the flip side, people don't like to use
those powers, Mr. Chair man, because they're open to
criticism and all the rest. I get it.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: I absolutely get it. No, no. I get it.
I am just generally saying. But we had a presentation
with broad agreement in this place of the City of Hamilton Plan, as an example, heights of buildings.

Yes.
Hon. Michael Fahy: And the M inister said in that debate that when we talked about floor space and the
things that there's ways . . . we are Legislators . We can
do things here. So can the Minister. So, I hope that he
considers some of these things in a very fair and rea-sonable manner, given the powers he actually has.
It's important as well that we lead by example.
And I made mention of that. And believe it or not, guess
what? You might recall last week that I made mention
of Government leading by example in Hamilton about
the old police station building.
Well, there's an old police station building in St.
George's that's derelict as well. And that comes within the town of St. George's. And again, I believe there's
real opportunity there for the Minister , if things are not
already moving in a good direction , to give direction ,
possibly for housing or for a better and much nicer town of St. George's.
And again, with the $800,000 grant, I think we
are still waiting to see audited financials from the Corporation of St. George's. And maybe the M inister will
table them here under his powers as the Minister responsible for M unicipality on both corporations. I think
the Corporation Hamilton is up to date.
Again, we did speak this morning about sewage in the town of St. George's and the possibility of a
sewage tax. And I think, again, I just continuously think
about , How can St. George's be improved ? And the
Minister . . . I urge [him] to share any plans that the
Government may have as soon as possible, post the
outcome of the Privy Council case on governance.
Just one minute. I am just going to get a drink ,
if I may.

It is a good point to pause. We have
about an hour and 25 minutes left in this three- hour debate on the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities.
And for the benefit of the Honourable Members, but also for the listening public, we have been listening to questions from the Honourable Shadow Minister, the MP for constituency 20, Mi chael Fahy. And
before that, we were listening to the Honourable Minister, Zane D e Silva, who presented his brief on Head 90,
Ministry of Housing and Municipalities Headquarters and on Head 53, Bermuda Housing Corporation.
So, I will now pass it back to the Shadow Minister. MP Fa hy, you have the floor.

Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. So just for the sake of
clarity, if the Minister would give an answer as to
whether or not he or his immediate predecessor has given any specific directions to the c orporations as permitted under the Municipalities Act.
Turning to the Morgan's Point Development
Company . For the listening public, Morgan's Point Development Company was passed by the legislature, or
the [Morgan’s Point Development] Company Act was
passed by the legislature in 2022.


Bermuda House of Assembly And just looking into some of the development
that's there, and the Minister made reference in his brief
to the five major units at that place. But it just seems , to
my point of view, confusion as to what exactly is going
to happen with those units there, because we have
heard plans announced of what the Morgan's Point Development Company is intending to do. We recall that
this particular portfolio moved from the Minister of Finance to the new Ministry of Housing and Municipalities
as part of the responsibi lity of the Honourable Minister.
But in 2024, the Minister of Finance made reference to the development of the five units that are on site and said that they would be turned into 35 additional units to Bermuda's housing stock. And that was
in 2024. And I can give the M inister the quote, but it's
easily found.
We were told that there is supposed to be a retail sector as well on the development. And I just wonder, why make announcements in 2024 about turning
Morgan's Point area into 35 additional units? Now,
again, I scribbled furiously, as the M inister spoke about
the Morgan's Point Development, and basically said,
from what I gather, that there has to be an evaluation
exercise undertaken, architectural designs, there need
to be surveys undertaken, a site cleanup. And it just
seems to me that maybe in 2024, we jumped the gun
when we spoke about it, or the Minister of Finance certainly must have jumped the gun.
Is it the plan, notwithstanding the fact that all
these things need to be done, to have 35 additional
units to Bermuda's housing stock, as previously announced? And again, in this particular instance, as the Minister had said, the Morgan's Point Development
Company is a government -owned company. In other
words, the shareholders are two government minis-tries, I think.
Minister, I'm happy to, if I've got that wrong . . .
I don't want to get that incorrect. But if I recall, it's the two of them. The Morgan's Point Development Company Act, under section 12, again, Mr. Chair man, I will
just quote it.

Please.

Hon. Michael Fahy: It's easy to find. It allows the Minister to give direction s to the Company —just like the
Minister can under most quango setups.
So, has the Minister or his predecessor given
any written or oral direction to the board of director s to
do anything in relation to Morgan's Point specifically?
Or are the decisions being left strictly to the board, as
appointed , presumably , by the shareholders with input
from the Minister? I can't recall what the Act said, but
I'm sure it's a combination of that.
The Bermuda Land Management Corporation—perhaps the M inister can clarify if there is a master plan for the Bermuda Land Management Corpora-tion. Now, this is important because the Bermuda Land
Management Corporation is the combination, as we know, of WEDCO and the BLDC, two very different areas. One of massive historical interests, and another of
ability perhaps to build, because of the land mass there.
And when I think about Souths ide as your example, in 2018, there were announcements made about Marginal Wharf. Now, Marginal Wharf, Mr. Chairman, it's obviously the main wharf there coming on into
St. David's on the left . Marginal Wharf might be turned
into a cargo port —a cargo port and a power plant. And
then we heard in 2021, it was going to be a fish processing plant. So, we have had a few announcements
made by the Government. And perhaps the Minister
can share with us if there are any plans now for Marginal Wharf. And if so, perhaps he would share, are
there any RFPs? Are there any answers to RFIs, requests for information, in terms of that? Because it
seems to me, again, there is a development there for
housing. And if in fact that area is going to be developed further, again, is that part of a master plan? Or is
it ad hoc? We need housing, there's land, let's build.
Because you do not just want to just build, you
want neighbourhoods . You want places where people
feel secure. You want people to integrate into the community —

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: Expensive.

It takes a long time.

Hon. Michael Fahy: But that wouldn't be retail, that
would be commercial, I suppose. But the point is made
that a master plan for both what was the WEDCO properties, and what were the BLDC.
And again, that also was a comprehensive list
shared by the Minister, from a parliamentary question
of the number of properties that are managed and
owned by now the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, which are not insignificant.
Now, for those of you who are interested,
again, you can go on the BLMC website and see opportunities there for development. There are 11 areas
that are listed. And again, this is why a master plan is
of importance. Because “Joe Blogs” can go on, presumably (when you can) and identify a property, and
then what? Make a submission to the BLDC . . . sorry,
I've got all these acronyms . . . BLMC, for development .
But is there specific development that the Minister would like to see at Marginal Wharf, or at BLMC properties at Southside? Or specific developments that
the Government has in mind, given the power of the
Minister to again issue directions if he sees fit in the
public interest.
For example, Mr. Chair man, if you look at
Dockyard, Vic tualling Yard has been available now for
some time . And under the One Bermuda Alliance Government there were a number of proposals put forward from hotels to retail and other things in between. But
910 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly again, with some of these things, without a master plan
it's very difficult to make a decision, because you don't
want . . . whilst you want development, you want development that is cohesive and comes together in a certain way.
But given that on the other side we have 370something individuals on a waiting list with BHC, we have 1,100 people facing homelessness, where is the
priority? And what is the Government's priority, given
that this M inistry has been created along with the Ministry of Home Affairs to lower costs, give people oppor -tunity, have housing, better energy prices and the like?
If there is that priority, I would like to hear it.
Perhaps the M inister . . . oh, some of the other
properties, Cross Island, there are a number of vacant
lots in Westcott Road and there are six or seven others.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: There are a lot there for development opportunities. Maybe Cross Island could be used
for housing . Could be. I am sure that the Bermud iana
Resort is high up there too.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: I am sure it is, at least per apartment it is.
So, we have, again at Southside, a number of
developments. Maybe the Minister can just give an update. Forgive me if I missed it in the presentation. Triton
House, dormitory -style housing. Channel House, the
Shadow Minister behind me, from constituency 31, had
asked questions about Channel House. I believe that
was, at least with planning in February or March. Again,
that was housing for seniors. I don't recall if that has
now been approved.
In relation to the Bermuda Land Management
Corporation, are there any residential entities that are
responsible [under] the BLMC for rent? I did not see
anything listed to say that there were, but it would appear that there's obviously the ability to do so because I suppose that the units in Dockyard that were under
the remit of WEDCO have fallen within this new
quango. And again, it would appear that there's no
availability there.
The Minister said in his brief that the reason
there are no performance measures is because it's a
new Ministry. Okay. But perhaps next time, next
budget, we will have some performance measures
listed because it is difficult to measure success without
the sight of quango financials. Rather, just simply
based on what the Minister has presented today because by its very nature, as I said, the quangos are separate in their own way.
In terms of dormitory -style housing generally,
is the Minister satisfied or is the Minister thinking that's
a good way to go forward in terms of the dormitory -style
housing? And presumably, again, what you want is if this dormitory -style housing that people are eventually
moved out of that dormitory -style housing into other
units and that is why it is important to have that kind of
ongoing turnover. So again, it goes back to those original questions. How long are people on average in BHC
housing? How long are they in the dormitories? And
what are the stages of that?
Just turning to some more specific notes from
the Minister's brief. In the Minister's brief, as I had said
earlier, he made mention of the fact that there's going
to be this Island -wide survey to be launched for the issue of housing, a coordinated effort, long -term, data -
driven. We have a problem because it now becomes
an issue where you have a census that is due at some
point in 2026, where the data comes out in 2027. We
have another survey that's going to be data- driven to
make decisions on housing. It could be very different depending on who you ask because this survey is going to be based on , who? Maybe the Minister can add
clarity as to who the stakeholders who are going to be
questioned for the purpose of the survey. Is it a general
survey for the general public online? Is it architects? Is
it BHC personnel? To get the information that the Minister probably already knows : there is a housing crisis.
So, I'm just not seeing what the overall purpose . . .
What's the likely cost of the survey?
And the Minister did not give a specific timeline,
but what the Minister said was, at the conclusion of the
survey, we'll have answers to challenges and opportu-nities, and there'll be an implementation plan brought
to Cabinet . What's the timeline envisaged for that? Is it
end of the year ? Next year? Details would be nice.
I commend the BHC for the work that they have
done on a lot of these renovations. It cannot be easy in
any stretch of the imagination, Mr. Chair man, to manage the level of properties, some of them very aged
properties, on a continuous basis. But what I would like
answers to in relation to the water issues with some of
the housing owned by the BHC and the Devonshire
complexes is, How many residences were affected by
the water issues that the Minister has made reference
to and that have been raised in the press, and that have
been long -term issues? And what's the likely timeline
for rectification of those water issues?
I believe the Minister also made reference to
sewage issues. That was in Alexandra Road, et cetera.
Again, there was street lighting, collaboration with
BELCO , all excellent for the tenants in that area. Again,
timelines for the processes that need to be followed
would be very helpful.
The Minister made mention that legislative reform is on its way. I think it was in part of the T hrone
Speech, where there will be derelict property acquisition legislation under the Bermuda Housing Act. Forgive me, I missed the other A ct. But we just need to be
very careful with that type of legislation, which is essentially assuming private entity/private property in some
way being taken over by the BHC or the Bermuda Government.


Bermuda House of Assembly I am not against the idea; and neither is the
OBA as a whole. But we will look very carefully at what
that legislation means to protect the rights of the homeowners going forward, because they are notoriously difficult, those types of things. And the Minister made reference to it previously, Mr. Chairman, that a lot of times
properties are left derelict are caught up in trust disputes. There are property ownership issues. There are
deeds issues. And an A ct may not just be the solving of
that. I doubt it. An d that's the problem. What we don't
want to do is say to people, L ook, this is going to be the
panacea, if you will, to help get more properties onto
the market. It will be a very, very slow, drawn- out process.
It seems to me that the Minister could conside r
some form of tax penalty for derelict properties. They
could encourage the corporations to implement a for m
of empty -unit tax to encourage development, perhaps
by saying . . . for example, you have a property that
could be rented through some of the BHC programmes
that the Minister has made reference to.
The Minister made reference to the fact that
whatever the outcome in June, there will be full consul-tation on the next steps. I just wonder if that means that
the previous Bill won't happen anyway. So, either way,
we'll look to see what that means in practi ce.
The Minister made mention in his brief about
. . . sorry, I am skipping to the BLMC from the Minister 's
brief, about the tugs’ dock and King’s Wharf as well in
relation to the Norwegian Cruise Line.

The grant at page C -22.

Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you very much. Thank you
for pointing that out for more specificity.
I hope that the Minister can answer the question that I posed this morning about what that means in
practi ce for Norwegian Cruise Line in terms of preferential berthing, given that they're making the major investment , if other cruise lines and cruise ships wish to
utilise the berthing. Are they paying extra to either the
Bermuda Government or the BLMC for the use of those
berths, et cetera?
I think it's important that the cruise ship companies that benefit from being in Bermuda's waters and
being essentially captive in Bermuda when they're
here, that they do take the bulk of these projects. It
goes on in other jurisdictions as a quid pro quo often ,
in terms of duty -free ports and things like that. But when
you are doing port work, we know that it costs an absolute fortune, $22 million for this project. We have been
told that the Bermuda Government is responsible for nil
of that or the BLMC or any other iteration of it.
I would implore the Minister to ensure that if
there are any further developments to go with the
BLMC to make everything possible that the cruise companies take the burden of the development and make
sure the taxpayer does not take the burden of it. So, I
flag that because you may recall that a previous Government was the one that got the arrangement for
the Norwegian Cruise Line ( NCL) ferry to St. George's.
Those types of projects and those types of initiatives I think are very important. Again, the Minister
can help give direction to BLMC in relation to issues
over that.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN

HOUSE VISITOR

Okay, please continue.

Hon. Michael Fahy: I said the Minister couldn't get off
that easy, so I don't want him to get off that easy.
[Inaudible interjections and laughter ]
Hon. Michael Fahy: In relation to, again, going to the
Minister 's brief, the Minister made mention of the
HomeStart programme. Thirty Bermuda families have
been able to utilise the programme with Clari en [Bank] .
That will rise to 32. That's commendable. With 100 per
cent mortgage financing, 25 per cent, I think, is paid up
in terms of, I think, the guarantee of 25 per cent of the
mortgage is what we heard. Have there been any defaults on those guarantees to date? I'm presuming not,
but if there are, what's the cost of those defaults?
It was good to hear that the H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck
programme is still running well, and I think that's a
912 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly success. Again, we are not here for doom and gloom —
that's what we like to be accused of.

[Laughter]

Hon. Michael Fahy: So, we can say, Look, the programme has worked, and the numbers that were given
were commendable.
I make mention of that because, of course,
there's no specific line item within the Budget Book. It's
buried, presumably within the BHC statements, which I
hope will be tabled in this place so we can have an
analysis of whether things are as effectively run as the
Minister says. And I have no doubt that they are, but it
would be nice to see those statements tabled.
The Minister gave a very good overview of
staffing at BHC and project management, et cetera, and I made mention of the fact that given the numbers
of units under management, I thought that maybe there
would be more project managers and the like. And I
wonder if that could be considered.
For the moment, Mr. Chair man, I do not have
any other immediate questions. I am sure the Minister
will opine, and maybe I will have an opportunity to ask
more if I do not hear the things I am looking to hear.
Thank you very much.

Good afternoon, Mr. Chair man and
listening audience.
I thought that it would be a good idea to le nd
my voice to this debate tonight because each and every one of you know where my passion is when I sit in this
place and others. And I particularly want to address
page C -22 under the Capital Account, and it would be
the grant that was granted to the Corporation of St. George's .

Absolutely, 75003.
The change is not there. And so , I think my colleague who spoke earlier said that St. George's is
crumbling. I may disagree on the crumbling side of it,
but I do agree on the aged side of St. George's. And if
we're going to talk about St. George's, I think it would
not be fair not to at least exemplify the historicalness of St. George's.
Each and every one of you in this room started
in the e ast. So, whether you hail from the west now,
support the west, live in the w est, represent the west,
Sir George Somers' boat didn't go Somerset . It came down right off St. George's. So, you all started in the east.
And so, when I look at this and I think about my
historic town that I live in, and I think I'm going to come up with that saying [hashtag] #thisiswhereweal lstarted .
it would be a very true statement. So, when you think
about the age of the town, right, which is well above
what any other part of the Island has, we have to look
at infrastructure.
So, where am I going with this? The Co rporation of St. George's does a phenomenal job on what they can within the town area. But when you come
down and you look at our buildings, and even the design of the buildings, the closeness of the buildings, the
simplicity of the architecture, the aesthetics of the town
is representative of an era. And we are moving away
from that era as we should . Right ?, Because in the
world you have trends, and we evolve.
But we cannot . . . in St. George's we want to
maintain what our historic site is. But we also want to
have a bit of modernisation with it. So , our age is something I think that any administration has to keep into
consideration. Those buildings are not young. They supersede almost five and six and seven generations.
And so , we—and I say “ we” because I am not just saying it for this particular Government, I'm saying for any Government and even previous governments . I think
that it's time that St. George's gets the respect that it
deserves as the oldest and most historic place in the
Island.
So, when I look at the grant for the C orporation
of St. George's, I could hope that . . . unfortunately that
number did not change. But as we move forward, we
do see that number changing . And I do not mean in a
negative way, I mean in a positively increasing way .
Because we recognise, one, the historical aspect ; two,
the importance; and three, the fact that these things
cost money.
And so, as the Minister . . . and I'm sure he will,
because I'll be lending my voice to this every time I can, as he considers the increase to the grant for next year, maybe [he will consider] even a supplemental for this
year, so that we can do more. I think, like I said to you,
it's the age component that we have to think about. So crumbling , no. We will never let that happen. I think MP
Fahy knows that . But we do have age requirements, we
have infrastructure that's old, and we would definitely like to se e an increase.
So, if I have to formulate that into a question, I
would just hope that my question would be that, Minister, maybe at the next time around we could see an increase to that capital grant for the Corporation of St.
George ’s.
Thank you, Mr. Chair man.

Thank you, Mr. Chair man.
I just have a couple of questions and a comment, if allowed. For clarification purposes, the Minister
mentioned that the Property Operations Department of
the Bermuda Housing Corporation is responsible for
the maintenance of 710 units, but he also mentioned in
several spots of his brief that existing units were under
renovation or refurbishment.
I was just wondering, are any of the 710 units
offline because they are being refurbished or renovated? The other point for clarification as a question is, the Minister mentioned on a couple of occasions that
items or projects were out to tender, and then he gave
a cost. Either I misunderstood when he said they were
out for tender . . . I just want clarification on that, because if they were out for tender, was that cost that the Minister mentioned the departmental estimate? Because if they were still out for tender, we would not
know what those tenders would be. So just clarification was that the estimate, the internal estimate? Departments do that sometimes.
And also, thinking specifically about the Bermuda Housing Trust and methodology, construction methodology, it comes to mind. It's very important when
choosing something that is not traditional to the local
environment. And I think of the Bermuda Housing
Trust. I know one of their properties, the maintenance
cost is a burden on the rest of the parks, and it basically
drains a significant amount of the revenue derived from those other parks to cover the maintenance costs in
that one particular park.
Those are my questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

About 45 minutes -ish, 50 minutes.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: All right. Let's see what we
can do to accommodate colleagues.
As I look through the host of questions, I will
start by just saying that the Honourable Member MP
Renee Ming, no one will ever say that as long as she
was in this House she didn't fight for her constituents or
her constituency, because when it comes to St.
George's, there's no lack of fight in the Honourable
Member Ming when it comes to her constituency and
her constituents. So, the things that she said were well noted, and we will certainly have further discussions in
the future.
Now, Mr. Chairman, there are a lot of questions. I will do my best to work my way through them.
One of the first questions the Honourable
Member Fah y had asked was about the 376 people on
the wait -list and he wanted to know what the average
waiting time was. I just want to say that the average
waiting time is a very challenging question to answer,
because you will know, Mr. Chairman, that they have
basically three formulas for giving out housing in Bermuda at BHC . And it's a critical list, an urgent list, and
just a regular list of folks who might be looking to fin d a
less expensive place to live in. But the critical and urgent list is a moving target. An average stay for those
folks is just not something that I think is a statistic that
one can keep at their fingertips at any time.
So, I think that whilst I appreciate the question,
and I can certainly understand the question, there are some folks who have been living in Bermuda housing
facilities for a few decades. But, again, I get the Honourable Member's question in that wanting to know an
average stay. There are some folks, as you know, Mr. Chairman, that not everyone's had the affordability of
having education—I am going back decades now. A lot
of our people had to just do what they could to get by.
And so, therefore, you have fol ks who have been in
Bermuda Housing Corporation system for a while.
So, we would like to see that change. I'm sure
everyone in this House would like to see that change in
the future. And certainly, if all of us had our way in this
House, you know, we wouldn't have any of our folks
having to live in affordable homes because they just
couldn't get by. And making decisions between groceries and electricity bills and medication and things like
that, we would like to eradicate forever.
So, that being said, I think the Honourable
Member Fah y had asked about the waiting list at BHC
and are we communicating with B LMC and the Bermuda Housing Trust. I do not think that they interview
individual applicants . But I am sure that if someone is
looking for a place and they might be over the age of
65 getting up to 70, I am sure that they will look at every
avenue possible, which would include, it might be BHC,
it might be B LMC, and also Bermuda Housing Trust. As
you know, those are choices that peop le have, and I
am sure that they make them.
Mr. Chairman, one of the things we will do as
we move forward with the housing strategy is that we
will explore all options for increasing housing stock, which might include some very innovative schemes
such as lease- to-own if seen as a viable way forward.
You know that years ago we produced the first phase
at Harbo ur View down at BLDC and we had a lottery for
homes and we know that those homes sold for around
about a couple of hundred thousand and they actually
cost, I think at the time, I think it was maybe 75 per cent
more to build than what we actually sold them for. But
those are the types of things that I can tell you.
914 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly The Honourable Member asked if . . . he talked
. . . he read the Act and said, you know, I have the
power to direct. And I said in this H ouse even last week
when we were having some questions over the Ministerial Statement that I made is that . . . and I stated publicly that all the quangos and committees and boards
that I've met with so far, they know exactly what my goal
is. And my goal is to produce housing for our people
. . . and that's affordable housing for our people.
So, they know that my vision and the vision of
this Government as laid out in our platform, as laid out
in our Throne Speech, is to create affordable housing,
which is why the P remier created a Ministry dedicated
to housing in the country. So, with that being said, we know what our remit is, we know what our charge is,
and we're pressing forward with that.
There was a question with regard to the Private
Sector Refurbishment Programme and , What are the
fees involved for optional property maintenance? How
many houses are in the scheme? And as you might recall, Mr. Chairman, in my brief I did say that we had 13 homeowners with 24 units, and we are working with
those two first homeowners now. So, I think that as
word gets around with this scheme and people see
what we are doing, I think you will get more people interested in participating.
There was also a question about the prices of
studio , one-, two -, and three- bedrooms on the website,
BHC's website, and there was talk about $3,400 and
$900 is not affordable. But you have to remember for
our subsidised affordable housing, we have a rental
matrix, which has rents from studios at $650 to four
bedrooms at $2,500. And as you will know, Mr. Chairman, four -bedroom homes in the country, if you can get
one for under $6,000, $7,000, $8,000, you are lucky.
So what happens in that regard, is that we subsidise
places from studios to four -bedrooms. And those are
the price ranges we are at. And of course, they are subsidised.
Now, I have to make it very clear, Bermudiana
residents are not subsidised. And there was talk about BBR, as we know, Bermudiana residences up there.
And I just want to make it clear that unlike . . . firs t of
all, had we not had the campaign of the great bogeyman, the campaign that these houses are going to fall
into the water . . . and you had OBA M embers in the
newspaper, saying that they're going to fall off a cliff.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: They're not . . . they're not
. . . you know, don't buy them.
So, we had a campaign not only with some of
the former OBA M embers, and maybe some present.
But we also had other entities. And the late Stuart Hay-ward was another one. Seems like he had an article in
the paper every week, condemning that project. And
we tried our darndest to get those units sold or pre- sold. I mean, the prime example is Loughlands,
right, which is a fantastic, fantastic arrangement for the
people in this country. I have had the luxury of canvassing up at Loughlands . And the folks take pride. They
seem to respect one another. They respect their sur-roundings. And it's a fantastic, fantastic site.
Bermudiana could have been just that. But we
just had so many objections. So many, it was like, it was like the OBA did not want another successful housing
complex in this country after the success at Loughlands.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You can do a point of orde r
anytime you want.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You could . You know it.
So, the thing is, it was falling off a cliff when we
had it. But when they had the Government in 2017, all
of a sudden it was good enough to house America’s
Cup people.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But it was okay then.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Aah, the Honourable Member Cannonier says we made lemonade out of lemons.
He tried. He was the one to try the hotel up there too.
But he didn't see us in the newspaper saying, look, it's
not going to work. It's not going to work. Not once. And
I'll take a point of order because we encouraged it.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: No, I never said that. No, sir.
But the fact of the matter is, the fact that —
[Inaudible interjection and laughter ]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: The fact of the matter is this ,
we started a project . And the Honourable Member Fah y
said, you know, we have spent a hundred million dollars up there on that site.
Well, you can't point one finger at us because
the other three are pointing back at you and your party. Right? We went through consecutive years of challenges on that site. The OBA had five [sic] years. They
could not do anything with it. They tried.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Well, four and a half years .
I was t rying to give you five years, you know.


Bermuda House of Assembly [Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You want to cut yourself
short, right? But you had four and a half years. So , then
we come back in. You have the pandemic that strikes.
We were trying to do exactly the same thing. Get the
taxpayers ’ money to work.
So where did we end up and why did we end
up where we are? We had the experts in the country.
Ernst & Young gave us a report, said this is the route
you should take to get the best value for the taxpayers
of this country . And that's what we have done.

The best value?

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: The best value for that property as it is. We could sit down, and we could . . . Look ,
we could have left it alone, you know. We could have
left it alone.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: That's right. But if we didn't
have the nefarious threats and the bogeyman thr own at
that project, it would have been, could have been a very
. . . but we'll get there. We'll be okay. We will get there.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Now, the Honourable Member Fahy also talked about Bishop Spencer, and he
wanted to know what I thought about Bishop Spencer.
Well, my first thought is they had five years to deal with
Bishop Spencer. In fact, the Honourable Minister, the
Honourable former Minister even said that, you know,
he was talking to his people. I don't know what happened. And the Honourable Member Ben Smith said it's
four and a half years. It was probably one of the shortest governments in our history, I do believe. But the fact
of the matter is four and a half years is fou r and a half
years. So , you have four and a half years and you did
zero with Bishop Spencer. Zero.

Hon. Michael Fahy: Point of order.

Thank you, Honourable Member.
Minister, you have the floor.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Well, you know what? I'll
give you . . . I'll give you something for that. You probably did do a lot of work. The problem is you didn't produce anything. So , you may have done a lot of work .
And we know how it works. We know how it works.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: We know how it works. But
the fact of the matter, you didn't produce anything.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: By the way, it doesn't fall
under my Ministry, but you asked my opinion.
[Laughter]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But the fact is, in case Honourable Members didn't realise it, there will be some
housing there as well.

Dormitories.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: The Honourable Member is
saying dormitories like it's a bad word.
The fact of the matter is dormitories in this
country have a use too.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: They have a very good use.
If we didn't have people . . . if we didn't have investors
like the Green’ s in this country —

Members.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: If we didn't have investors
like the Green’ s in this country that saw an opportunity
to produce dormitories for their workers, where would —
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Where would they be living?

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: So, the fact of the matter is
that dormitories have a place in this country.
As Members may know, there are many, many
workers in this country where you have five and six and
seven and eight people living in two -, three- bedroom
916 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly houses —foreign workers. So, dormitories have a
place.
There was a question about the financials for
Bermuda Land Management Company. Members will
know that those are tabled in the House and in this next
fiscal year, they will be tabled. So, you can look forward
to that.

Thank you, Minister.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: There was also a question
from the Honourable Member Fahy with regard to municipalities. We will get to that. But he did ask, had I
given any directions for Bermuda Land Management Company? And I think I answered that by talking about
the Harbour View project, which we did the first Phase.
And I said it last week in case the Honourable Members forgot. I did ask the folks at Bermuda Housing to dust
off the plans for P hases 2 and 3 and let's look at it.
And just to answer the other question about the
three- year strategy, which we will develop, because we
never know when my number's going to come up. So,
we want to get that development strategy in place.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay, right. Well, we may
go together. We may be playing cricket, you know , but
mind you, I am going north. I don't know if you're goin g
north or south.
But the Honourable Member asked about . . .
took me right off my thing too.

[Laughter]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I started thinking about
who's going to be playing cricket , and where.
[Inaudible interjections and laughter ]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: No, no, no, no, no, no. Don't
try that one. Where was I? Oh, I was talking about Harbour View.
And I've asked my people to dust off P hases 2
and 3 and that's what I meant when I said that, you
know, we're not going to wait for strategy, a three- year
strategy to be produced. We can chew gum and walk.
So, whilst that's being produced, and while we
consult with everybody in the country, and by the way,
there will be a working group announced, maybe as
early as next week, with a very large cross -section of
people in the country that I want to sit down with on a
regular basis to discuss Bermuda's plans forward.
So, whilst we are developing this plan, we can
do things like . . . and I gave you a host of things that
we plan on doing . Sixteen homes will be ready by the
end of this year. So , within the next six months, we will
have 16 homes added to the stock. Next year, we will
have 33 homes added to the stock. Whilst we develop this three- year strategy for the country . We will dust off
plans for Harbor View while we're doing that. And
wouldn't that be fantastic for the people of this country
if we were able to get g oing with, say, Phase 2 and produce some more homes for our people to own —not just
rent, but own. So, all that's coming. Be ready. And all I
say is put on your seatbelt.
So, with regard to that . . . so I answered that
one about what is the plan with that.
And I think I answered the one you had asked
about . . . you had talked about the A ct and me having
the ability to give direction. I think I answered that one.

Thank you. Thank you. Gee, that goes
by quick because I would . . . I know that MP Cannonier
wants to have a little word. I am sure he does.
But I think the other thing I would like to touch
on, because it was mentioned by the Honourable Mem-ber Fahy , is Cross Island. And he made a comparison
to Cross Island and Bermudiana. Let me just be very
clear. Bermudiana has everybody's fingerprints on it —
OBA and PLP. Cross Island only has one set of fingerprints on it. And that's OBA. The most expensive real
estate in the country.

[Inaudible interjections]
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Most expensive real estate
in the country.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And sometimes I wonder
about Members in the House when they [say], you
know, we should take Cross Island and look at housin g
on Cross Island.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I just . . . sometimes I have
to shake my head.
One thing I wanted to talk about is Alexandr a
Road, Mary Victoria and Cedar Park is that, for the first
time in their history, Mr. Chairman, they actually had a
public meeting with Ministers —myself, Minister Lightbourne, Minister Rabain, both of us, and Minister Jache
Adams , all four of us. And my PS is here and even he
said, Look, you sure you want to do that? I said, absolutely we are going to do it. Right? Because we want to
feel the heartbeat and the pulse of our people.
And everyone in this House knows that those
three complexes have been riddled with challenges for


Bermuda House of Assembly decades. I lay down the gauntlet , right now, that if God
spares life, we are going to fix a lot of those things up
at those three complexes. And I've already told the
Premier that we may need some extra money to do
that. When you have people turning on their taps and
water's coming out brown, we need to fix it. We cannot
have our people having water come out brown. It's not
happening. We are going to fix it.
Now, I will say this.

How long?

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: How long? Not quick
enough. But I'll tell you what, there will be no energy
spared getting it done. Well, we're already doing it . . .
the Honourable Member Fahy says, how long?
We have had a public meeting, first time in history, with the residents. We have already told them we
would like them to form three separate condo associations. We are going to form a mixed association with
government officials and the residents. And all that's
coming. Might be sooner than you think, Honourable
Member.
The other thing we've done is . . . we have already, the water testing is under way. We have had the
reservoirs tested already. We have had our samples
taken from the homes of the folks that came to the
meeting. We recorded their names, we got their numbers, we called them and said, Listen, we want to test
your water.
We found, just last week, in some of the work
that we have been doing, just imagine a one- foot-wide
PVC pipe diameter, one- foot-wide. Imagine that , pulling
a root, a [soil packed] root , out of that pipe. In fact, I'll
send [this] to some Members so they can see for themselves . But when you have a [soil packed] root that's
somehow worked its way and busted into the pipe and
is growing, it was unbelievable. It was like pulling a
Snickers bar out of the package. That's what it looke d
like.
But these are the types of things when the Honourable Member says, When? We are doing it. When?
We have met with BELCO . We've told BELCO that,
look, we want something done with the lights. If it's the
infrastructure that needs upgrading so we can get people better lighting, then let's have it.
When? We have got the cameras fixed where
the trash bins are, so that we can monitor and see
what's going on with the trash. If someone's putting out
trash and they shouldn't, or they're putting things in the
trash bin that shouldn't be in a trash bin, it should be
taken over to Tynes Bay. So, we've actually done quite
a lot already. But we're not going to stop. Let me make
that very clear.
And I don't mind th at people hold me to account. I say these things publicly and they can hold me to account. If we don't get it done, give me the licks that
I deserve. Now with regard to legislation that we're going
to look at, I totally agree with the Honourable Member
Fahy . We have to be very careful. And we will be. But
there are too many people in the country, whether it be tenants and /or landlords that have challenges. So, we
are going to look at that.
Now with regard . . . everyone, almost everyone in this house has had a conversation, I'm sure with someone in the last several months about the derelict
homes around the country. Right? So, what we have to
do is we . . . as Government and even M embers opposite . . . I'm sure you share that . You know what ? If we
do nothing, nothing's going to happen. So, the goal is
to try to do something. And Honourable Member Fahy
is correct. We have to be very careful. But that's where we put the legal minds to work.
Let them come up with some proposed legislation where folks are . . . you might be three or four or
five people in a family, they have one house between
them. They can't seem to, you know, work out a deal
between them to get . . . and what happens ? The place
sits there. We have all got relatives and friends that
have experienced it. I have. Sometimes it's probate. As
Honourable Member Fahy said, sometimes it's in trust.
And when you have trust, you have beneficiaries. And sometimes, you know, it's left to beneficiaries
who have an equal say in the matter and cannot come
to an agreement. So, you know, the devil's going to be
in that detail. And, like I said, the Honourable Member
is correct. And we will certainly be doing that. That's
one of the things we're not going to race into. We have
to be very, very careful. You're talking about people's
property. And we just have to find a way in which to try
to manoeuvre around it . But we have to do it in a way
in which, hopefully, it won't cause too much angst with
regard to the owners or beneficiaries that we may be
talking to. But there will be wide consultation on that.
The Honourable Member talked about NCL
and hoping that all cruise lines pay their fair share. Well,
I think my record shows (certainly when I w as Tourism
Minister ) that I did just that. Members might recall, I got
a $50 million ferry given to the country by the cruise
lines. You might remember the infrastructure tax that I
brought to this House, that's given the country millions
and millions of dollars over the years and continues to
do so.
But like the Honourable Member said, we have
to keep their feet to the fire, because unlike our airlines, the cruise lines, they love Bermuda. And they love Bermuda because it's a very lucrative run. And I think we
have a good partnership with all the cruise lines. And
that will continue.
There was talk about the census from Honourable Members. I think, as Honourable Member Fahy
did attend the summit two weeks ago, it was made very clear in the summit, that there's a lack of data on the
Island. There's a lack of data. So, the goal is to do this
survey, get it done, look at what we have. And we've
got some pretty good information already. We have
918 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly some pretty good information already, which is going to
help us going forward.
And again, as we put that together, all the available land that's on the Island, all the derelict homes, all
the abandoned homes, we put all these things together, and we will produce a document that everyone in this
House will see. And I'm sure [ever yone] will be very
pleased with what we envision and what we're going to
do going forward. And all stakeholders will take part,
whether it's the Chamber's Real Estate Division, the
Department of Land Valuation, Land Title Registration,
BEDC, BHC, BLMDC, everyone will play a part in that
going forward. And I would think that the working group
that we will announce very soon is going to play a very
big part in that as well.
Now, Mr. Chairman, one thing I didn't appreciate the Honourable Member saying was that St. George's was crumbling. Now, St. George's may have
some issues just like the rest of the country, but I took
exception to that.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Well, the Honourable Member said it was crumbling. And I'm sure when they lost the Government in 2017, all of a sudden in the last eight
years it didn't just fall apart.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: St. George's has long had
challenges, and this Government . . . let's talk about
what this Government did between 1998 and 2012 for
St. George's. We did a huge amount of work in St.
George's.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You had your turn. You had
your turn . But if it's crumbling, what did the former Minister, MP Fahy , do in four and a half years?

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: If it was crumbling, if it's
crumbling now, it certainly must have been crumbling
in 2017.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I know —

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I know, which I can tell —

MP.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, thank you.
So, the other thing the Honourable Member
said is that with regard to municipalities and Bermuda Land Management Company, I have the power to direct and get things moving quickly.
Well, the Honourable Member hasn't been
here that long, but I know that it seems like every time we bring something to this House and want to move
quickly, we are accused of ramming it down their
throats. So, I'm glad the Honourable Member is goin g
to be on record saying that he wants to see us do things very quickly. I'll make sure I . . . I'll make sure I keep a
copy of that Hansard report very much at my fingertips.
Now, there was a question with regard to the
HomeStart and the mortgages . And there was a question whether or not there were any defaults. There have
been no defaults. As I indicated when the Honourable Member was speaking, they have not been in existence
that long, but there certainly haven't been any defaults.
There was also another question about the 710
units , if any units were offline when renovations were
. . . and refurbishment had taken place. I did say in my
brief, for example down at Gulfstream, what we [were
doing] wa s we were doing six units at a time, refurbishing them. When we finish ed the refurbishment, six people moved in. And as I said, the goal is to try to get six units done every . . . in a short period, as short a period
of time as we can, so that we can keep that moving
because the folks are v ery, very happy that these renovations and refurbishments are taking place.
Now, Mr. Speaker, Honourable Member Fahy
touched on Morgan's P oint for a second. He said he's
seen . . . it seems there was some confusion as to
what's going on. And he was hoping that there would
be some announcements in the future.
Well, the Honourable Member will be happy to
know there will be some announcements in the future.
But the Honourable Member says , What's been happening and why haven't there been any announcements? And I am sure you can appreciate, Mr. Chairman, [in] the short period of time I've been there . . .
And certainly, you might know from a bit of history, be-cause a lot of that was going on under the OBA and
you might not have been privy to it. I can't remember
when you were elected, to be honest.

Babe in arms.
[Laughter]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes. So maybe you weren't.
But I was around . And one of the things that I have
found is that . . . the Honourable Member says confusion as to what's going on. If he thinks he's confused,
you might recall the former Finance Minister for the
OBA, Bob Richards, saying that, you know, when he
looked under the hood . . . when he looked under the
hood . . . well, I could tell you when I looked under the
hood for Morgan's Point, I found not only a box of frogs,
but—

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, it was . . . it was —the
Honourable Member Kim Swan .
Now let's not go too far, but let's remember, as
I said in my brief, because the Honourable Member Fahy talked about the cost of BBR, but he didn't mention anything about the cost to the taxpayers for Morgan's Point, which at this point in time now is approaching $250 million —$250 millio n!
And as I've said before in this H ouse, everyone
. . . if they want an example of what we got for $250
million, take the map of Bermuda and look at Dockyar d .
Start at the gate at Dockyard by the old prison, by . . .
you can even come up to the current prison and go out
to the end.
For an example, for that $160 million (now
$250 million ) we didn't get all of Bermuda, you know .
We got Dockyard.
So, Morgan's Point, we got that . A little piece
of that entire property, which is all tied up in knots. And the Honourable Member says that . . . what did he say?
Confusion as to what's going on.
We hope to have something for the Honourable Member and Members of this H ouse and members
of the country soon. We will have our first board meeting this week. So, information will be forthcoming.
And just talking about Morgan's Point for a moment, I spent three hours up on the site a couple of weeks ago, three hours. Those buildings, R1 to R5, that
everyone says, Oh, well, you know, those units are finished. We could rent them . We could do this . We could
do that . And the Honourable Member said, Oh, the
Premier came in and said, oh, we're going to put those
in housing—we are going to do this, do that . Well, when
we got up there and we actually lifted up the hood and
actually walked through the door, those buildings are
almost ready for demolition. They are almost ready for
demolition, believe it or not. They are in such bad
shape. They have splash pools on there that had three
feet of moss growing out of them . Ceilings falling in . Elevators don't work —they are seized up.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: The Honourable Member,
the good doctor, the Honourable Doctor says , who's
fault?
What ? Are you trying to put Morgan's Point . . .
I will take a point of order . Are you trying to put Morgan's Point on the Progressive Labour Party, Honoura-ble Member?
Really?
Who's fault?
Mr. Chairman, $250 million of the taxpayers'
money.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Now, wait a minute now.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Now, wait a minute, let's just
say this. Remember, that project was in default in January 2017.

No?

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Never told the country that
we were in default. We found out in July 2017 that
guess what, $160 million was due and had to be paid. But we never hear too much about that.
But we want to talk about BBR and what that
costs the country. Morgan's Point, at least BBR, is now starting to turn over cash that's going to pay the mortgage and it's going to pay the debt. Morgan's Point is
still accumulating debt. We're still paying heavily every
month for liquidators, for trying to keep what's up there
alive in terms of the marina.
Well, I think the people of the country love
these answers I'm giving at the moment.

Put them in your brief.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Honourable Member says,
put them in my brief . I did. I explained in my brief that
we were over $200 million heading to $250 million in debt.

[Inaudible interjections]
920 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Members.

[Inaudible interjections]
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Well, if BBR i s $150 million,
then Morgan's Point must be hitting $350 million. If you
want to . . . if you want to start throwing out numbers ,
that’s —
[Inaudible interjections]

Members, come on.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: The Honourable Minister's
just sort of putting the pin o n the tail o f the donkey over
there. He’s lost. You know, obviously, Morgan's Point
has hit a nerve. Morgan's Point has hit a nerve, and it should hit a nerve.

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: If I would, if I would —

Members —speak to the Chair.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: If I would have been in the
OBA, Mr. Chairman, I' d be afraid to show my face
around the country.
[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Now, Mr. Speaker . . . oh,
Mr. Chairman, sorry.
The other thing is, Mr. Chairman, we talked
about Dockyard for a moment. The Honourable Member Fa hy also talked about the Victualling Yard. And
there's a . . . some of the things the Honourable Member said leaves a lot of room for thought. I mean, you
wonder where his mind is because he said that when
he was in Government they were talking to hoteliers
and a few other people about doing things in the Victualling Yard . But he had four and a half years, they did
zero.
Well, I know that something is happening up in
the Victualling Yard. It's coming very soon. You're probably aware too, Mr. Chairman. And maybe the Honourable Member Fahy is aware of what's coming, but I
don't want to let the cat too much out of the bag on that
one.
Mr. Chairman, how's time going?

I think you've got about 10 minutes.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay. All right. Well, one
thing, one thing else I have to touch on is the Honourable Member talked about the charity HOME and the
1,100 homeless people. And he said he—

[Inaudible interjections] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: He said he hoped that I was
going to reach out to them or have meetings and conversations with them.
The Honourable Member will be happy to know
I've already met with HOME , with Arthur Wight man and
Denise Carey. Yes, Denise Carey. And we've had one
. . . we actually have another meeting on . . . today is
what, Monday ? On Wednesday morning.
So, you can rest assured that we are talking
with those folks. I think that the vision that they have is
one in which I would look forward to participating in. I've known Arthur W ightman a long time. I just met Denise
Carey for the first time, but I know Arthur and I think he's very sincere and a genuine person. And I think he
only means well for the country. And I will certainly look
forward to our second meeting on Wednesday and look
forward to us working together in the future.
And the same goes with the municipalities.
Whilst we wait for that, as I said to the Honourable Member opposite just last week, we will wait for the ruling from the Privy Council, and we will then make decisions going forward from there. But no matter what that
decision is, the intent is for us to work with the corporations in working our way forward.
The corporations were formed many years ago
for different, a lot of different reasons. But I think that people will be, even Members opposite will be pleased
with regard to what our plans are going forward. But
maybe they won't. But we shall see.
So, let's see if I have anything else. I think I answered the question from Honourable Member Vance Campbell.
He was worrying about the units that were offline because of refurbishment. And I know he had
mentioned the cost estimates, but the cost estimates
that I gave were actually for refurbishments that we've
done or we're about to do and we've received prices
for. Anything that we're looking at doing, obviously
we're not going to let out what our people have given
us in terms of an estimate. We'll wait for those to come
in when they're put out to tender. And several have
been put out to tender already.
And that's it for me, Mr. Chairman.

Okay, thank you very much.
Does any other Honourable Member wish to
contribute to the debate?
I see the Honourable Member, Shadow Minister of Fa hy, constituency 20. Y ou have the floor.

Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you to the Honourable Minister for some interesting lessons that he believes are correct versus some of the reality , as wel l, in terms of
some of the projects that were undertaken by the One
Bermuda Alliance and in relation to some of the work
that we also tried to do.
The Minister has no doubt in the last . . . since
2017, can accept that some things won't get done im-mediately that you wish. I accept that . But the Minister


Bermuda House of Assembly is saying he's doing his best to drive things forward.
And we will take him at face value. There's no reason
to say otherwise.
A couple of questions come from what the Minister had said. The Minister said that they're going to
explore a lease- to-own. I'm grateful for that, because I
think that's a programme that has been shown to work
in other jurisdictions in getting people into non- subsidised housing. The whole point, I think, of housing is to
get people moving through the ladders of opportunity in
housing. I think that should be further explored.
When the Minister says the Government is going to produce affordable housing, presumably he means affordable to build and affordable to rent, be-cause it has to be both. We could make further jives
about Bermudiana, but I'm not going to be further
tempted down that road.
In relation to the prices of properties, what percentage is subsidised under the rentals that were being referenced? For studios, it's $800. We've also heard
that at Bermudiana, that's not subsidised. Are we saying that the balance is subsidised and is paid for by
BHC in terms of a regular BHC's rental versus market
value? We say that whole amount is subsidised. Is that
how that figure is calculated?
We didn't actually have any discussion this
evening (I don't think ) about the Landlord and Tenant
Act specifically. I'd be curious to know when the legislation may be coming forward, given the Throne
Speech promises of Landlord and Tenant Act changes .
Because a number of the items that were mentioned in
the Throne Speech about housing and about ensuring
affordability and some of these other potential legislative pieces that we've talked about, that we've said be
careful and the Minister accepts that we're g oing to
have to be very careful. They are all T hrone Speech
initiatives, so presumably this year or at least until the
next Throne Speech. We've got the Landlord and Tenant Act, we've got legislation that's going to be required
in respect of taking over derelict properties.
In terms of, again, just confirming that there is
someone that reviews the lists of individuals who are
registered with different agencies , the Minister has
made reference to the fact it's very difficult to talk about
time that people are on these lists. I think that's a performance measure, because ultimately, I think the ideal
is to have people get the assistance that's required and
then move them through the system to make space for
others. If we can't build the 2,500 units, that's almost
impossible. Ma ybe it's just a different way of thinking
about it, but it should be a measure of how long that
waiting list is, how long people are in agency housing,
et cetera, et cetera.
In relation to the water problems that we've
identified, I mean that has gone on for years and years
and years. I'm glad that the Minister has said it's going to be dealt with. We just looked at things, it was mentioned in 2018, it was mentioned in 2015, it was mentioned years before that . So, it's an ongoing issue. Maybe it's the pipework, I don't know . But the residents
there obviously deserve the clean water and clean systems to which they're entitled.
We will gladly hold the Minister's feet to the fire,
as he's invited us to do , and wish him the honest luck
to get that done as quickly as possible, because the
residents of those facilities absolutely need to have
proper housing, proper water, proper sewage. People
don't deserve to live in an area or a place that isn't safe,
isn't clean, isn't the way it should be.
So, the Minister will have our support in making
sure that that happens swiftly, and that's where orders can be used, perhaps, if you're going to refer, if the Minister is going to refer to Hansard, it's going to be for
issues like that , that we will certainly support —

[Inaudible interjections]

Hon. Michael Fahy: In an affordable manner. But I'll
leave the Minister a few minutes to answer those questions. Thank you.

Minister, there was another M ember in
the back, but I don't know if he's going to yield.
Okay, Minister, you have the floor. We have about three or four minutes left.

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay, thank you, and I'll do
my best to accommodate my Learned Honourable
Member next door.
Well, thank you. First of all, thank you for the
support . I believe you are genuinely sincere when you
say that you will be supporting and wish me the best of luck sorting out some of those issues . I certainly felt —
almost c ame to tears at one stage, to be honest , when
you're listening to people and how they've been living.
And it almost to me is, I almost felt like a certain segment of our community was put in a box and [they] said,
Look, we'll just leave them over there. We cannot do that—cannot and will not. And I don't care what it costs.
We will have some serious fights inside, but I know I've
got support inside, so I think we'll be just fine.
With regard to the subsidised units, all of the
units at BHC are subsidised or at a very low market rent except Bermudiana, obviously. So, the Bermudiana,
those rates were given to us by EY [Ernst and Young]
in their report as to what they thought we could get, and actually they hit the nail on the head. So, the rents that
we are collecting are actually right on song with their
predictions.
And as I said, you know, we're 35 per cent
rented without any advertising . And with any luck we
can get them all rented before the end of the year, early part of next year, and that project can start taking care
of itself. And then we can have a surplus out of it, of
which we can use that money to really assist us with
the affordable housing plan that we are developing.

You have time for one more answer.
922 26 May 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay, thank you. Thank you,
Mr. Chairman.
That was it. The only other thing that I had was
from Mr. Campbell when he talked about Dr. Cann's
[Park]. I don't know if he mentioned it, but Dr. Cann’s
unit on the Bermuda Housing Trust. That is a maintenance issue, as you know, as a former . . . I think you
were chair of Bermuda Housing Trust or certainly on
the board at one stage. And I think lessons were
learned there and they certainly won't be repeated in
the future.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[No audio]

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Chairman, I move
that Heads 90 and 53 be approved as printed.