Yesterday, the island’s only daily newspaper published a headline that has caused anger and fear. It has divided our community and done nothing to help the families who are struggling most.
Using coded language to describe housing for Bermudians as “trailer parks” stigmatizes people who are already facing serious challenges in securing safe, stable homes for their families.
Let us be clear: Bermuda is in a housing crisis.
Families are doubling and tripling up because they have nowhere else to go. Young Bermudians who work hard cannot afford to get started. Seniors are living in conditions that are unacceptable. Some men and women remain in abusive situations because they have nowhere safe to move.
That is the reality we must confront.
This pilot project consists of nine units. Nine.
They will meet all required standards to protect residents from the elements. The development will be controlled, properly planned, and professionally managed.
It will not be a free-for-all. It will not be an open-ended development model. And it is certainly not the “trailer park” being suggested.
To residents in the surrounding area, I want to provide reassurance. No one will be placed there without proper screening. Every resident will go through the established housing assessment process. There will be clear tenancy agreements. There will be rules, and if those rules are broken, there will be swift consequences.
We will protect the peace and character of the neighbourhood.
We firmly believe we can support Bermudian families in need while safeguarding the safety and stability of the surrounding community.
At the same time, we are renovating derelict units, accelerating new builds, and working with private partners to expand housing supply. This pilot forms part of a broader strategy. It does not replace it.
My responsibility is straightforward: to ensure Bermudians have roofs over their heads.
Doing nothing is not an option. Delaying action is not an option. Not while families are struggling. Not while people are waiting. Not while too many Bermudians feel there is no path forward.
Bermudians are among the kindest and most generous people in the world. We come together in times of crisis, and make no mistake, this is such a time. Now is the moment to come together again and support our fellow Bermudians.