Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda about the developments in our efforts to enhance our border protection, specifically at the Hamilton Docks.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide an update on the progress of our new Customs X-Ray facility at the Hamilton Docks, on Front Street. This location is where the vast majority of commodities, shipments and containers flow into Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, to begin, I would like to address the current status of the new facility. At this time, all necessary site preparations have been completed, and our team stands ready to move forward as soon as the new custom-made building arrives in Bermuda. We are expecting the arrival of the actual building structure by the end of January 2026.
Mr. Speaker, we expect the facility to be completed by the end of February 2026. Once the materials arrive, construction and outfitting will proceed immediately and we anticipate that the building will take three (3) to four (4) weeks to complete.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to highlight what this new building will enable Customs to achieve. Our core operational processes will remain the same, but the facility itself will provide a much safer, more efficient, and more functional environment for our officers. It will better accommodate our equipment, streamline our workflow, and enhance the overall effectiveness of our operations.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to understand why this investment is necessary. The existing building has deteriorated significantly over time and no longer meets the standards required for safe and effective operations. A new structure is essential to ensure that our officers can continue to carry out their duties in a secure, functional, and properly equipped environment.
Mr. Speaker, finally, I want to speak briefly about the X-ray machine that will operate in conjunction with this facility. This technology plays a vital role in our national security framework. The X-ray machine assists Customs officers in accurately targeting and examining goods and cargo.
It enhances our ability to detect contraband, prohibited items, and potential threats, all while supporting the smooth flow of legitimate trade into Bermuda.
Mr Speaker, given the fact that this port is a significant gateway for goods entering Bermuda, it is critical that those responsible for preventing the entry of illegal goods and contraband into our Country are performing their duties in a suitable and modern facility. We are pleased to note the progress being made to erect such a facility and we are certain that doing so will solidify our operations at the docks.
Mr. Speaker, in short, the new building, along with the enhanced technology that will be housed in it, represents an important and necessary step forward for Customs. Our ability to protect our borders, safeguard our officers, and continue to uphold the highest standards of national security will be greatly improved.
Mr Speaker, in closing, I invite the members of this Honourable House to join with me in commending the Collector of Customs and her diligent team for the execution of their duties at all of our ports.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.