Mr Speaker

I rise today to mark an important milestone in our island’s digital future. I am honoured to announce the launch of the Government Digital Transformation Programme. This multi-year partnership will strengthen our services, expand digital inclusion, and lay the foundation for a modern, responsive public sector. More than a mere technological upgrade, this programme represents a fundamental shift in how the Government will deliver services – efficiently, securely and with the level of convenience that residents expect and deserve. Through this partnership, Bermuda’s public service will evolve into a connected, integrated and citizen-centred enterprise.

Mr Speaker

At the heart of the Digital Transformation Programme is a vision of a unified digital platform where residents and businesses can complete government transactions in one secure location. This will allow people to:

• apply for licences and permits, make payments, access public records, sign documents and manage personal government information in one place.
• avoid navigating multiple websites or waiting in long lines; and
• engage with the government at their convenience through mobile devices and online services.

While convenience is important, this programme is fundamentally about good governance. Streamlining digital services will reduce wait times, improve transparency and strengthen accountability. It will give us the opportunity to redesign services from the ground up to create an inclusive, efficient and globally competitive digital society. Privacy, cyber‑security and public trust will remain at the centre of every decision we make.

Mr Speaker

This programme is possible because of a historic agreement between the Government of Bermuda and Paradise Mobile, supported by Google Cloud and its global premier partner Abacus. Paradise Mobile, founded in Bermuda in 2020, started as a homegrown, cloud-native, AI-first, and innovation-driven startup. It did not merely set out to provide mobile services; it sought to build the digital foundation for Bermuda’s future. The company has already demonstrated its commitment to Bermuda through initiatives such as its digital‑onboarding platform, which meets electronic Know‑Your‑Customer (eKYC) requirements comparable to international banks and allows customers to sign up from the comfort of their home. This is the same spirit of innovation that will be applied to transform government services.

Mr Speaker

Partnering with Google Cloud, one of the world’s most trusted digital infrastructure providers, opens up world‑class technology capabilities while keeping local expertise at the centre of delivery. Google’s global platform, combined with the systems integration and AI expertise of Abacus – which has a proven record of delivering large-scale digital transformation programmes – gives Bermuda access to cutting-edge tools for secure cloud infrastructure, AI-enabled service design, data management frameworks, and citizen-facing digital tools. These capabilities will enable us to advance our digital maturity through 2026 and beyond, ensuring that Bermuda remains competitive in the global digital economy.

Mr Speaker

This partnership is not theoretical; it builds on concrete solutions that are already working. Paradise Mobile has deployed AI platforms that automatically optimise its network without the need to dispatch engineers to cell sites. Their digital onboarding allows customers to be verified and connected in minutes, not days, using secure electronic identity checks. By deploying these solutions internally, they have tested and refined government-grade, cloud‑native services at scale. Bringing these capabilities into government will pave the way for convenience and practicality: tasks that once took days or weeks can now be completed in minutes.

Mr. Speaker

Moreover, the programme will establish single sign-on for government services – a cornerstone of modern connected services – ensuring that citizens’ data is protected and their experience with government is smoother and more convenient. We will also develop new digital services aimed at the needs of residents and businesses.

Mr Speaker

Our vision extends beyond government efficiencies. Paradise Mobile has described itself as a technology incubator, not a traditional telecom, with more than 400 products and services in its pipeline to be developed and launched in Bermuda over the coming years. Their cloud‑native architecture and extended edge infrastructure on island – unmatched by any local company – will underpin a broader innovation ecosystem. This partnership positions Bermuda to become a hub of innovation, a “Silicon Valley of the Atlantic”.

Mr Speaker

By embracing collaboration, cloud‑native systems, AI and digital‑first solutions, we can make the Bermuda connected, competitive and resilient. This programme lays the foundation for a more agile government workforce and provides a platform for Bermudian entrepreneurs, technologists and young people to participate in the digital economy. It is a chance to reverse brain drain by creating high‑value jobs at home, attract international investment and position Bermuda as a leader in regulatory innovation for digital services.

Mr Speaker

As Minister responsible for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, I take seriously our duty to protect the public’s trust. Our agreement with Paradise Mobile, Google and Abacus is built on principles of responsible data stewardship, rigorous privacy controls and robust cyber‑security measures. We will ensure that all solutions are designed around the needs of Bermudians and that local expertise is integral to every phase of the programme. I also wish to recognise the dedication of the public officers across Government who are working diligently to support this transformation.

Mr Speaker

This week’s announcement marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Together with Paradise Mobile, Google and Abacus, we are building the Bermuda of tomorrow – one that is digitally empowered, globally connected and ready to deliver better service to every resident and business on the island. I ask for the support of all Honourable Members as we undertake this important work and invite Bermudians to embrace the opportunities that a digital future offers.

Thank You Mr Speaker