Mr. Speaker,
I rise this morning to provide Honorable Members, and the country, an update on just some of the works the Ministry of Public Works and Environment have been doing in preparation for the Summer.

As Bermudians and visitors prepare to enjoy all that Summer in Bermuda has to offer from the Cup Match celebration, to beach days, and vibrant community events, the Ministry remains focused on a singular goal: ensuring our public spaces, coastal areas, and infrastructure are ready to support a safe and enjoyable season for us all.

Mr. Speaker,
It goes without saying that our beaches and coastlines are some of the most treasured parts of this island.

As such, I am proud to report that we have completed the long-overdue restoration of Achilles Bay, a beach rich in history and memory for the eastern community. Years of erosion and storm damage had made this gem nearly inaccessible but today, thanks to local contractors and the creative contributions of a local artist, the path to the beach is once again accessible, safe, and welcoming.

Building on that success, we are now undertaking the revitalization of Sandy’s Dock, a site of great community value along North Shore in Devonshire. Like Achilles Bay, it had suffered from years of disrepair but now we are hard at work restoring it to a condition that the neighboring community remembers and deserves.

Mr. Speaker,
These restoration efforts go hand in hand with our broader efforts to ensure the safety and cleanliness of our beaches. That is why I am pleased to share that the Ministry has ordered a brand new tractor, due to arrive on island next week. This vital piece of equipment will assist with both beach cleaning and the grass cutting of large fields, helping us maintain the quality of our public spaces as activity increases during the summer months.

And it’s not just about how our beaches look, it’s about how safe they are as well.

Mr. Speaker,
I’m proud to say that our seasonal lifeguards have returned and are stationed at our most popular beaches: Horseshoe Bay, Turtle Beach, Clearwater, and John Smith’s Bay. These lifeguards will soon be supported by highly trained and experienced consultant lifeguards, as it is crucial that we, as a Government, do our part to ensure our beaches are not only beautiful, but safe for both locals and visitors alike.

Mr. Speaker,
It is also worth noting that in anticipation of the hurricane season, shoreline restoration efforts will begin this month at Southlands to protect coastal areas that are vulnerable to storms. We must be proactive as the environmental and financial cost of waiting until after a disaster is far greater than taking preventative action now.

Mr. Speaker,
Our road repaving also continues, as we are finishing up the work in St. George’s having covered from Mullet Bay to Ferry Reach just in time for Cup Match and soon we will be heading towards Flatt’s Village to complete the work that had been previously started.

Mr. Speaker,
I should also mention that recent concerns have been raised by members of the public, particularly from faith-based groups, about whether religious gatherings are permitted in our national parks. I wish to state categorically that to date, no formal request for a religious event has ever been denied under my watch. The National Parks Act speaks to what is and is not permitted within our national parks and the path for exemptions. I encourage any church or organization that wishes to host an event at any of our national parks to contact the Parks Department, state their intent, and they will be supported accordingly.

Mr. Speaker,
Whilst on the topic of Parks I’m also pleased to state that in May of this year works were completed to install brand new playground equipment at Dark Bottom Park in St. David’s. This included a new swingset, jungle gym, new benches and coconut palms planted around the surrounding area. And our work does not stop there as next week we are scheduled to begin similar works at the Shelly Bay playground.

Mr. Speaker,
While we celebrate this progress, we must also acknowledge where improvement is needed. The state of several public bathrooms, for example, remains a concern. Work is underway to improve these facilities, however, I think it is important to accept this as an example that there is still a lot more to do.

Mr. Speaker,
Whether we are talking about restored docks, cleaner and safer beaches, improved shoreline resilience, or new playground equipment, our efforts all serve one purpose: preparing Bermuda for the Summer and for the future.

I want to thank the men and women of the Ministry of Public Works and Environment. Their dedication is seen, felt, and greatly appreciated. And most of all, I want to thank the public for their patience and understanding as we carry out this important work. I know, at times, this hasn’t been easy but we have and will continue to make progress.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.