The Government of Bermuda is making progress on its pledge, first announced in the 2020 Throne Speech, to create an Office of The Public Guardian (OPG). The OPG will offer independent assistance to seniors, persons with disabilities, and others who require help managing their health, financial, or legal affairs due to an inability to do so independently and a lack of adequate external support. This initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that those most in need receive the necessary safeguards and advocacy.
The Ministries of Justice and Youth, Social Development and Seniors are working collaboratively to bring this initiative to fruition. A scoping exercise undertaken by the Ministry of Justice in 2023 evaluated the necessity of an OPG, revealing that upwards of 50 individuals are estimated to be in need of public guardianship. Given Bermuda’s ageing population, it is anticipated that the demand for OPG services will continue to rise in the coming years.
Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, stated: "The Public Guardian is a crucial step in ensuring the protection and support of Bermuda’s vulnerable citizens. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to upholding Ageing well in Bermuda. This includes ensuring rights, protection in decision making and access to services and support. We look forward to providing another opportunity for safeguarding the vulnerable."
Appropriate legislative authority will be in place to support the establishment and operation of the OPG. The Ministry of Justice is currently drafting the necessary legislative framework to formalise the pilot programme, ensuring that Bermuda’s most vulnerable individuals receive the legal protections and support they require.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, explained, “Similar offices exist in larger jurisdictions such as Australia, England and Wales, Scotland, the United States, and Canada, providing a model for Bermuda’s OPG. To ensure the effective implementation of this initiative, the Government has decided to launch the OPG as a pilot programme, with reports to Cabinet assessing its activities and effectiveness.”
This pilot approach will facilitate the collection of critical data and insights to inform the development of a more comprehensive OPG operation in the future. Initially, the OPG will be staffed by a Public Guardian, who will oversee the provision of services to eligible individuals, including those residing in care facilities and within the community.
The Government remains committed to upholding the rights and welfare of those in need and will continue working towards the full implementation of the OPG in due course.