Mr. Speaker and honourable colleagues, last week (April 27th – 29th) the Department of Parks held the 2023 Agricultural Exhibition more commonly known as the Ag Show. It has been three (3) years since the last in-person show and trust me when I say – it was not an easy undertaking to revive this sacred event.

"We are committed to providing safe and accessible public spaces for all, and this project is just one of the many ways we are delivering on that promise.

“We look forward to seeing public access to Achilles Bay restored soon," said Minister of Public Works Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP.

Smith Hauling and Excavating, contracted by the Ministry, commenced repair works last week at the beach, opposite Fort St. Catherine in St. George's, in a project scheduled to last around eleven weeks. 

Premier David Burt today wished a happy and healthy retirement to two “outstanding public officers”, Permanent Secretary Mr. Chris Farrow and Clerk to the Legislature Mrs. Shernette Wolffe who both retire this week.

Mr. Speaker, this Government has a vision. A vision for a more efficient and effective Government – especially in relation to the Quangos.

Mr. Speaker as the Minister with responsibility for the West End Development Corporation more colloquially known as WEDCO, I have the privilege to lay before this Honourable House the Corporation’s Annual Report for the year 2021.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with yet another report on the state of the island’s roads and the various ongoing trenching projects and a look forward on what to expect.

Let me first say that I am well aware of the state of our roads as a daily user of them and a regular receiver of public complaints. I too am quite weary of the work that is being carried out and the time it is taking. I constantly remind myself though, while sitting at a stop light that I like having reliable electricity – so I’ll endure til the end.

Mr. Speaker, I have today as Minister with responsibility for Housing the pleasure of tabling the most recent audited financial statements for the Bermuda Housing Trust, the statutory body charged with providing seniors in Bermuda with the most affordable rental accommodation possible.

Mr. Speaker, articulated in both its 2017 and 2020 General Election manifestos – this Government vowed to ensure more affordable housing is available for seniors and families; increase the stock of affordable housing throughout the country and expand rent geared to income programmes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the purpose of providing more evidence that this Government stands by its housing commitments through the Bermuda Housing Corporation (“BHC”). And it is through the BHC that I am pleased to share the following facts.

As a public reminder, and as a follow up to an advisory which was issued late February, due to water and subsequent electrical damage experienced at the Sammy Wilson Community Center (SWCC) on Angle Street, the facility is closed until at least early April.

The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation (DYS&R) notes that the Ministry of Public Works are making the necessary repairs to the space.

As such, all programmes normally held at the Sammy Wilson Community Center are suspended until the facility reopens, which again is anticipated to be around early April.

Good Morning Bermuda,

It is certainly a thankful Thursday as we are here to commemorate the launch of Bermuda’s first Independent Living Programme for young adults aged 18 – 24 who were previously in the Care of the Director of Child and Family Services (DCFS).