Good morning, everyone, and thank you for being here.
Last week, the Honourable Premier delivered the 2026/2027 Budget under the theme “Responsible Choices, Lasting Benefits for Bermudians.”
Today, I will outline how that theme is reflected in the Ministry of National Security’s priorities for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year.
Our total Ministry budget is one hundred thirty-six million, nine hundred and eighty-nine dollars ($136,989,000).
This represents a nine-million-dollar ($9 million) increase, or 7 percent, over the adjusted 2025 to 2026 budget.
That nine-million-dollar ($9 million) increase supports specific and deliberate priorities.
It covers recently awarded salary uplifts for all employees in our Ministry. These salary uplifts are the result of very productive negotiations with our Union partners.
Our budget allocation provides funding for recruitment to fill vacant posts in the departments in our Ministry, which are the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Police Service, the Customs Department, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, and the Bermuda National Drug Control. I am particularly pleased that we shall be able to fund new posts within the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard, in order to enhance our maritime operations and increase our border control capability.
These are responsible investments in the people who protect this country and provide a safe environment in which we can live and our children can grow.
Within that same operational increase, we are expanding violence prevention and intervention work as part of our National Violence Reduction Strategy.
Funding from the 2026/2027 budget supports expanded education and counselling programmes delivered through what is now known as the Violence Reduction Team.
This team was formerly referred to as the Gang Violence Reduction Team. We are now using the title Violence Reduction Team to reflect the broader scope of its work.
The VRT engages directly in our communities, providing prevention, intervention and support services designed to keep young people away from violence and anti-social behaviour.
This includes school visits, mediation, mentorship and connecting individuals with positive opportunities that steer them toward productive paths rather than cycles of harm.
Operational funding also supports counselling services for individuals and families affected by violence. The 2026/2027 budget also supports continued anti-violence campaigns.
These campaigns are designed to reach young people directly, using messages and platforms they engage with, so we can challenge harmful narratives early and reinforce positive choices before violence takes root.
Public awareness initiatives are designed to reinforce early intervention, reduce stigma around seeking support, and encourage community responsibility.
Funding has again been allocated for grants to community organisations, such as the Bermuda Football Association and several other entities, to improve their security and facilities. These grants will enhance the safety at venues throughout the island while assisting organisations in providing programmes in a safe and secure environment. This will aid in the achievement of the goals of our violence reduction strategy, particularly in the realm of prevention.
In addition, funding has been allocated to implement an Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment programme.
Substance abuse and violence are often connected, particularly among young people who lack support and guidance. Early, structured treatment interrupts that cycle before it escalates into criminal behaviour. Addressing addiction directly, while providing preventative programmes, is a responsible way to reduce long-term social and economic costs.
The 2026/2027 allocation also includes funding for a grant to Dignity House.
Dignity House provides structured transitional housing and support services to men seeking stability and reintegration. Supporting rehabilitation is a responsible choice, and when individuals are given structure and accountability, the wider community benefits.
I would like to now highlight our capital funding allocation for 2026/2027.
A total of nine-point three million dollars ($9.3 million) has been allocated for capital projects in the next fiscal year.
These funds are separate from operational spending and are dedicated to equipment, infrastructure, and long-term asset improvement.
For the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard, capital funding will cover the cost of new vessels and engines that are needed to replace the existing ageing fleet and to expand its long-term maritime capability.
A Coast Guard maintenance shed will also be constructed to support upkeep of those assets, which operate in demanding and sometimes, harsh conditions.
A purpose-built maintenance shed allows for routine servicing and repairs to be carried out safely and consistently, ensuring reliability during emergency response operations.
For the Bermuda Police Service, capital funding will provide vehicles, a new records management system, and extensive renovations to Police Headquarters.
These are practical investments for the BPS that improve response capability, improve accountability, and ensure officers have a safe and functional working environment.
When the Police have reliable equipment and modern systems, the public receives a better, faster, and more effective service.
The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service will receive funding for a new fire truck at a cost of approximately $850,000. This replaces ageing equipment and ensures that frontline crews have reliable apparatus when responding to emergencies. Public safety communications systems will also be upgraded.
Within the Customs Department, capital funding has been allocated for the construction of a purpose-built facility to house a new dock scanner.
Effective border control requires modern and reliable infrastructure. A properly housed scanning system improves inspection capability, protects sensitive equipment from environmental wear, and ensures consistent and efficient screening of cargo entering the island.
This investment bolsters operational oversight at our ports and reinforces our commitment to maintaining secure and orderly trade.
Border protection must evolve alongside changing threats, and this funding ensures that Customs officers are supported with the tools and infrastructure required to perform their duties diligently and effectively.
All of these capital projects are practical investments. They increase operational capability, improve readiness, and support long-term effectiveness.
When we speak about responsible choices, this investment is what that means in real terms.
We are investing in personnel. We are investing in prevention. We are investing in infrastructure. We are investing in equipment that will serve Bermuda for years to come.
The safety and security of this country require steady, disciplined, and strategic planning. This budget reflects that approach and will have a direct impact on the welfare and safety for all those who call Bermuda home.
Thank you.