Bermuda Land Management Corporation Update 2025

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC).

I am pleased to report that the merger between the former Bermuda Land Development Company (BLDC) and the West End Development Corporation (WEDCO) is now complete, with the exception of the formal winding-up process of BLDC.

As Honourable Members may recall, BLDC was formed under the Companies Act 1981, which outlines specific legal requirements for dissolution. This process is well underway and, based on current progress, we anticipate that BLDC will be fully dissolved by July 2025.

Mr. Speaker, A particularly positive aspect of this merger process was the minimal cost incurred, as the majority of the work was carried out by employees within BLMC, the then Ministry of Public Works, and Attorney General Chamber’s personnel. The primary expenses were related to external legal fees for changing bank accounts and the ongoing BLDC liquidation costs. The total estimated expenditure for the merger is expected to be under $35,000.00.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to remind Honourable Members and the public that BLMC is now responsible for managing all properties and operations formerly overseen by WEDCO and BLDC.

In the West, BLMC is ensuring a smooth start to the cruise ship season while managing a significant capital project at the North Arm. This project aims to repair and enhance tug dock berthing facilities and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Additionally, I can confirm that BLMC—together with the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Culture, and Sport, and in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)—will undertake a major redevelopment project at Kings Wharf Dock. Scheduled to commence in October 2025 and conclude by March 2026, the project is estimated to cost

$22 million and will be fully funded by NCL as part of a port infrastructure upgrade initiative.

The redevelopment will involve expanding the dock by approximately 100 feet in both directions, extending to the existing berthing dolphins. It will also include the addition of berthing on the inside of the north camber, adjacent to the tour excursion dock, to accommodate the NCL ferry, Spirit of St. Georges.

This expansion of the wharf will yield several key benefits:

• Improved fendering systems for all cruise vessels.
• Increased docking capacity, matching that of Heritage Wharf.
• Ability for ships to use two passenger gangways simultaneously.
• Access to service doors for potable water supply and sewage discharge.

Mr. Speaker, BLMC continues to successfully manage its commercial and residential properties, maintaining an occupancy rate of over 95%.

The BLMC owns 89 residential units, all of which are currently occupied except for four that are undergoing active renovations. These units are expected to return to the market by the end of July 2025. BLMC, similar to the Bermuda Housing Corporation, maintains a waiting list for residential units, which currently includes 30 pre-approved clients. Each of these individuals has submitted a completed application with all required supporting documentation, including references from previous landlords and proof of financial capability. The Business Development Department has confirmed that all applications have been thoroughly vetted, and approved tenants will be able to move in as soon as a unit becomes available. In addition, the BLMC continues to receive numerous housing inquiries each week, underscoring the sustained demand for its residential offerings.

Mr. Speaker, In the East, the Water and Waste Infrastructure Project is nearing final completion. Potable water is now being supplied to the Government Water Section responsible for potable water distribution in St. George’s. BLMC sewage collection is connected to the St. Regis Hotel and is 98% complete in connecting sewage collection from the Town of St. George’s to Southside St. Davids.

The remaining tasks before sewage transfer from St. George’s to Southside can commence are as follows:

• Final pump configurations at Market Square / King’s Square.
• Final adjustments to the new Sewage Treatment Plant.

This work is currently ongoing, and sewage transfer to Southside is anticipated to begin in June.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable members may recall a commitment to offer the 38 leasehold residential homes in St. Davids the ability to transfer their unit from leasehold to freehold. BLMC has commenced this process and will over the course of the coming weeks and months be meeting with the leaseholders to explain the process and requirements involved in completing this long overdue promise. The timeline for completion is, assuming the leaseholder agrees to the transfer from leasehold to Freehold, by the end of this fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker, Beyond these major capital initiatives, BLMC continues to manage its day-to-day operations without the need of an annual Government operating grant. All operating costs as well as minor capital projects are fully funded by the corporation’s own revenue streams.

This significant and consistent achievement, Mr. Speaker is one that many members of this House and the general Public may not be aware. The fact that BLMC is truly self-funded is commendable and speaks to strong financial and operational stewardship of the Board and Management.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank and acknowledge the Board Members: Chairman, Hon. Neville Tyrrell JP MP, Deputy Chairman Dennis Lister III JP MP, Mr. Jermone Reid, Mrs. Elena Strong, and Mr. Kevin Smith, as well as welcome new member Mr. Paul Wilmot JP, MP.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the dedicated staff of the Bermuda Land Management Corporation. Of the 58 employees—including Managers, Supervisors, Maintenance Technicians, Plumbers, and Landscapers—53 are Bermudians and 5 are spouses of Bermudians.

This is truly an example of local empowerment and BLMC stands as a model of what can be achieved when an organization and its leadership is committed to hiring, developing, and promoting Bermudians.

I would like to formally commend CEO Andrew Dias for his steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment. However, I know he would accept this recognition only in the spirit of shared accomplishment, recognizing that every success is the result of the dedication and hard work demonstrated daily by the entire BLMC team. I look forward to our continued collaboration as we collectively advance the corporation’s mandate: Facilitating commerce, preserving history, and sustainably developing the vested lands.

Mr. Speaker, As the newly appointed Minister responsible for BLMC, I am pleased with the Corporation’s current fiscal and operational performance. I am confident in its strategic direction and future prospects.