Good morning,
I am pleased to be here, to say a few words about the culmination of this first phase of the electrification of Bermuda’s motor fleet- not to steal the thunder of my colleague, Minister Scott, but to offer my most sincere congratulations for this impactful project. I am here today in my capacity as not only as the Acting Premier, but also as the Minister responsible for the Environment and Energy, so this project has been near to my heart for quite some time. I want to thank all the people involved in bringing this part of the work to fruition, and note that it was a joint effort between the Ministries of Transport, Home Affairs, and the a result of the continued efforts of the Rocky Mountain Institute, who held our hands every step of the way. Our work with RMI began back in November of 2018, when the Ministries of Home Affairs and Transport signed the Memorandum of Understanding that set us on this path.
I had emphasized it then and will again- we have not paid a single penny for the work of RMI. Considering the economic challenges facing Bermuda and the world over, it is important to highlight those occasions where we achieve truly exceptional value for the effort and money spent. And so, we are grateful for the valuable and effective support provided by RMI.
Through this collaboration, born of an introduction to them many years ago via the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum, also known as CREF, we can now confidently say that our fleet is greener, and leaner.
These buses will have manifold benefits for Bermuda, not least of which is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Bermuda is doing its part to reduce global emissions- even though ourefforts are minute in comparison to other industrialized countries, we can be a beacon to other small island communities who may be hesitant about adopting electric mobility. These new buses will be quieter, far cleaner, and ultimately less expensive than the diesel buses we have now. These buses are good for our environment, good for our economy, and good for our people.
I am told that some of you may have already ridden them, as their deployment has been ongoing for the last week or so and they have been running on a few routes. This is the first big step toward a more sustainable transport sector, and ultimately a more sustainable future. I look forward to a future where there are more electric vehicles, both public and private are generally found on our roads. Just imagine a future where the air quality in Bermuda is great, and near our roadsides you can walk around free of vehicle exhaust in your face, where the loudest sounds will be our birds by day and our tree frogs by night is exciting indeed.
Thank you.