Good afternoon everyone,

Today, I am pleased to introduce the new Electric Vehicles that will replace a portion of the Department of Health Fleet used by our dedicated District Nurses and Environmental Health Officers. The Minister for the Cabinet Office, Hon. Vance Campbell, also joins me, and he will share information about the new EV bikes for the post office.

And I welcome the Minister responsible for Transport, who has spearheaded the “EVolve Bermuda” initiative. This initiative aims to phase out the importation of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and help Bermuda achieve its Net-Zero goal.

Today marks a significant milestone in our zero-emission vehicle initiative, ensuring that the Island is ready for the global shift towards electric vehicles while proactively addressing the challenge of vehicle emissions.

It is heartwarming to see these electric vehicles supporting our Department of Health Team, who play a vital role in our healthcare system.

Our district nurses visit patients in their homes to deliver essential healthcare services. They manage chronic diseases, assist with post-hospitalization care, provide palliative care, and engage in health promotion activities.

Their work improves access to healthcare for individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote areas and reduces the need for hospital admissions, enhancing the quality of life for many Bermudians.

The Environmental Health Team in Bermuda, another vital section of our healthcare system, ensures public health by maintaining a clean and safe environment through various roles, including inspecting food establishments and investigating foodborne illnesses. Monitoring drinking and recreational water for contaminants, and managing disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes and rodents.

Our district nurses and our environmental health officers travel extensively around the island, making reliable transportation crucial. These new EVs will help them cover their areas more efficiently.

The adoption of EVs supports Bermuda’s environmental goals by reducing emissions and promoting cleaner air. Lower fuel and maintenance costs will provide financial savings for the healthcare system, allowing more resources to be allocated to patient care.

As the Minister responsible for Health, I am particularly encouraged by the fact that improved air quality from reduced emissions will benefit the health of our community, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

Research indicates that reducing exposure to tailpipe emissions, such as soot and particulate matter, can lower the risk of mortality, heart attacks, and hospitalizations due to heart disease and cancer.