Good Afternoon,

I am pleased to be joined by the Premier, the Honourable E. David Burt, Minister of Health, Honourable Kim Wilson, my Warwick colleagues Minister Lawrence Scott and MP Neville Tyrrell and Dr. Carika Weldon and members of the Bermuda Government Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the media:

Thank you for being here today as we celebrate the opening of the new Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory. I’m joined at this afternoon’s press conference by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, Minister of Public Works, the Hon. David Burch and MDL Director and Government’s Scientific Advisor, Dr. Carika Weldon.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on the state of Government water supply and distribution as we enter a period of high demand this summer.

The Bermuda Weather Service indicates that rainfall in Bermuda for the last couple of months is below usual levels. The combined precipitation for May 2021 and June 2021 was 6.66 inches, with 3.76 inches falling in one day. Based on the normal average rainfall per month of 5 inches, the total for the last two months is 34% below average. Simply put, the island is currently in a dry spell.

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to advise of the present disposition of Wantley House located at 20 Princess Street, City of Hamilton.

Members of the public would be aware that the property has been in disrepair for many years and has unfortunately become a site for illicit drug use resulting in further damage from fires. Despite the Bermuda Housing Corporation frequently boarding up all the entryways to prevent illegal access and use of the building, the problem has persisted.

The Ministry of Public Works would like to remind the public that trimming back overhanging trees and hedges from private property to prevent vegetation from projecting into the roadways or sidewalks is the property owner's responsibility.

Good afternoon and thank you for coming.

I am pleased to share information on the Ministry of Public Works plans and initiatives for the 2021-2022 budget year.

Considering the challenges this country and the world has faced over the last 12 months, the Ministry’s plans will be continuously scrutinised and adjusted as necessary to ensure we are on target to achieve our goals. At the same time, the Ministry will continue to seek out opportunities that will enable the Government to grow the economy.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I lay before this Honourable House the West End Development Corporations annual report for year 2019.

Good afternoon and thank you for joining me.

I am joined this afternoon by the MP for the District MP lanthia Simmons Wade and Belco representatives Mr. Nadir Wade - Director of Grid  Management Services and  Mr. Naeem Griffith.

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to remind the public that using the Elbow Beach public staircase from Tribe Road No 4b is currently prohibited. 

Use of the existing staircase poses a risk to public safety. The previously erected signs and barriers to prevent public access were unlawfully removed. The Ministry can advise that the signs and barriers have been reinstated.  

Access to the staircase will remain closed until construction works are complete in the coming months. 

The Ministry of Public Works advises the public that recent failures in St. George's ageing water distribution system have disrupted the service resulting in intermittent water supply levels. 

A team from the Water and Sewage Section are working to resolve the issue and expect services to return to normal levels by the end of day Wednesday, 17 February. 

Until such time, customers in urgent need of water are advised to contact water trucking services.