Good morning, everyone.
It is a pleasure to welcome you as we officially celebrate the reopening of the Mangrove Bay Post Office—This is an occasion that represents far more than the completion of a renovation project. It reflects this Government's continued commitment to investing in safe, modern, and accessible public services for the people of Bermuda.
I would like to begin by acknowledging my colleague, the Honourable Jache Adams, Minister of Public Works and the Environment, together with the officers, technical teams, contractors, and the dedicated staff of the Bermuda Post Office whose professionalism and commitment made this project possible. Thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout this process.
I’d also like to acknowledge the presence of Mr. Keith Wainwright, the Acting Postmaster General, Ms Michelle Simmons, our current Sandys Postmistress, Ms. Dawn Simmons, Chair of the Sandys Parish Council and the Hon. Michael Scott, former attorney general and retired Member of Parliament and representative for Sandys North for many years, and I also see the Hon. Walter Lister with us today.
For the residents of Sandys Parish and the wider West End community, today's event marks the restoration of an important public service. Since the office temporarily closed on 12 September 2025, customers have patiently adapted to alternative arrangements while these critical improvements were undertaken. I sincerely thank the community for your patience, understanding, and continued support.
The Mangrove Bay Post Office has been serving this community for more than 180 years. Established in 1844, it first operated on Mangrove Bay Road under the leadership of its first Assistant Postmaster, Mr. Jauncey Outerbridge. In 1905, it relocated to Somerset Main Road, now the Somerset Police Station, before moving to this location on the 30 September 1996. I’d like to say that against the backdrop of our recent Cup Match celebration and yet another victory by the Somerset team, it is important to note that in 1902 the very first Cup Match Cup was delivered to the Somerset post office. Perhaps that is why it loves to remain in Somerset. It feels like home.
That history reminds us that the Post Office is much more than a place to collect mail. It is a trusted public institution that has connected families, supported local businesses, and provided essential services to generations of Bermudians.
Like many older public buildings, this facility reached a point where significant investment was required. Deteriorating floor joists had caused sections of the floor to sag. This created soft spots and holes that posed a genuine structural and health and safety concern for both staff and customers.
Doing nothing was simply not an option.
Rather than making temporary repairs, the Government chose to make a long-term investment that would preserve this important community asset while ensuring it continued to serve the people of Bermuda safely and efficiently for many years to come.
The renovations have been comprehensive. They included a new reinforced concrete floor, new flooring throughout the building, replacement windows, upgraded customer service counters, improved lighting and ventilation, modern office furnishings, renovated staff facilities, upgraded information technology infrastructure, and integrated fire and security systems.
Together, these improvements have created a safer workplace for employees, a more welcoming environment for customers, and a more efficient facility that meets modern Government standards.
This investment is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about ensuring that residents continue to have access to reliable public services close to home.
Every day, this Post Office serves seniors collecting their pensions, families sending important documents, entrepreneurs operating small businesses, and residents who rely on postal services to stay connected. That is why this investment matters.
I am pleased that, since reopening on the 13th of July 2026, all postal services have returned to Mangrove Bay. Customers whose Post Office Boxes were temporarily relocated to Southampton, as well as registered mail and parcel services that were transferred to Warwick, can now once again access these services here in Somerset.
Before I conclude, I would once again like to thank everyone who contributed to this project, from the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, the Bermuda Post Office team, our contractors and technical specialists, t the residents and businesses who supported us throughout the renovation period and to all of you.
The reopening of the Mangrove Bay Post Office reflects this Government's commitment to maintaining and modernising the public infrastructure that our communities rely on every day. It is an investment in public service, in our communities, and in the people we serve.
Today, we celebrate not only a renewed building, but the continued strength and resilience of an essential community institution.
It is my pleasure to officially welcome the community back to the Mangrove Bay Post Office.
Thank you.
