Today, the Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, and the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, held a media briefing on the Channel House building.
Good morning - I'm pleased to be here today alongside the Honourable Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, and Andrew Dias, the CEO of the Bermuda Land Development Company, as we announce a significant initiative that holds great potential for the future of seniors in Bermuda. The Minister of Health is unable to be with us today, but that Ministry will be consulted on this project as well.
Channel House is owned by the BLDC and their Board in considering options for sustainability for Southside following the departure of the IDT Department – and with one remaining tenant - to look at other options for this site.
So, we are here today to announce the soon to be launched Bermuda Land Development Company's (BLDC) Solicitation of Interest (SOI) to repurpose Channel House into a fully operational Seniors Residential Living Facility.
This endeavour aligns perfectly with the Government's vision and National Seniors Strategy of creating a Bermuda that caters to the needs of our aging population and fosters an environment of dignity and support for them.
The National Seniors Strategy is a comprehensive framework that has been meticulously designed to address the evolving needs of our senior community and to create an environment where they can age gracefully with the support they deserve.
This strategy, outlined in the House of Assembly in September by Minister Furbert, is a testament to this Government's deep-seated belief that the changing needs of Bermuda's seniors must be met through a holistic and cost-effective approach.
This initiative is of such significance as it represents a pivotal step in fulfilling our commitment to providing additional quality accommodations for our senior citizens. I did not want to simply allow the SOI to be issued but to highlight what is planned before its issuance so that we could provide some background and generate interest.
Channel House, with its storied history and strategic location, has the potential to become a cornerstone in our mission to address the changing needs of our aging population.
Built by the US Navy in 1942 and later renovated in 1990 and 1999, this three-story building offers a unique canvas for innovation and imagination. The plan is to partner with a community minded developer to convert this property into a state-of-the-art facility equipped to cater to the needs and comforts of our seniors.
The primary aim of the SOI is to encourage suitable business ventures to respond and share their creative solutions for the conversion of Channel House.
We are offering an opportunity for those willing to undertake this task to make a lasting impact on our community while also empowering themselves with valuable work and opportunities.
We encourage all interested parties to look forward to the release of the SOI next week and to make their submissions by the required deadline.
The submissions will be evaluated based on feasibility, design, and costing—culminating in a comprehensive management plan that includes staffing and day-to-day operations. The BLDC will enter a partnership arrangement where the building is provided at a very reasonable cost for development.
Through this, we envision a facility that not only meets the immediate needs of our senior citizens but also adapts to their evolving requirements in the years to come.
In conclusion, we see Channel House as a symbol of hope and opportunity for seniors in Bermuda. This SOI is a call to action, an invitation to the best and brightest minds to come forward with innovative ideas that will enhance the quality of life for our seniors.
This effort is a collaboration between the BLDC, 3 Ministries – Public Work, Youth, Social Development & Seniors, Health, Senior’s agencies, KEMH and charities operating in the Senior Care space – so that the best result can be achieved for the benefit of our senior population.
We look forward to the submission and the transformative journey that lies ahead. Together, we can create a brighter and more supportive future for our seniors and Bermuda as a whole. I now invite Minister Furbert to say a few remarks.
Thank you.