Good afternoon, members of the media and the people of Bermuda.
Today, I am here to expand on the initiatives within the Ministry of Public Works and Environment’s remit and reinforce our responsibility to ensure that Bermuda’s infrastructure, public lands, and environment are properly maintained, protected, and managed for the benefit of all.
Undoubtedly, the state of our roads, housing infrastructure, and environmental policies have been the subject of much public discussion. Whether it is road conditions, access to affordable housing, marine conservation, or air quality, these issues affect people's everyday lives. The Ministry of Public Works and Environment’s focus is to ensure that Bermuda's built and natural environments function properly, serve the public effectively, and are responsive to the people's needs.
One of the most immediate concerns facing the island is the condition of our roads. The wear and tear caused by extensive underground works, the ongoing need for resurfacing, and the backlog of maintenance issues have left many of our roads in an undesirable state. The Government is aware and is committed to taking action.
This year, roadworks will be accelerated with an expanded paving schedule to ensure progress as swiftly as possible. Public roads will be prioritised, but the Government will also address the condition of private roads through legislative amendments allowing for greater intervention.
Amendments to the Private Roads (Improvement) Act 1969 and the Private Roads (Lighting) Act 1984 will expand the Minister’s authority to install traffic-calming measures, safety mirrors, and lighting in areas where road safety has been a growing concern.
The goal is to improve road conditions for all residents and ensure that public and private roads are maintained to a proper standard.
A recent example of this commitment is the completion of the Scaur Hill safety enhancement project. This major infrastructure initiative involved reconstructing a 230-foot retaining wall along Somerset Road, which our dedicated engineering teams delivered on time and on budget.
Alternative traffic routes were seamlessly established during construction to minimise disruption and removed upon completion. This reflects the ministry's ability to execute complex projects without compromising public convenience.
I would like to sincerely thank the area residents for their patience and generosity, including those who allowed the use of their properties for temporary detours.
I would also like to acknowledge and pay tribute to my predecessor, Lieutenant Colonel David Burch. It was under his leadership that this project was initiated, and his commitment to improving bermuda’s infrastructure continues to be felt in the work we do today.
Public infrastructure extends beyond our roads. While the Ministry of Housing is leading the charge to expand affordable housing, my Ministry will play a supporting role in ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to facilitate this effort.
Another area of significant public interest is marine conservation. In recent years, the Government committed to expanding marine
protected areas as part of its ocean conservation strategy. However, the voices of local fishermen must be heard in these discussions.
Their livelihoods depend on the ocean, and any policies governing its use must be both fair and enforceable. That is why the Government will pause the implementation of new marine protected areas while further discussions take place.
This pause allows us to reflect on the balance between environmental stewardship and economic sustainability. Stakeholder engagement has already led to revisions of the marine protected area network under the Blue Ocean Prosperity Plan, including adjustments to site locations, protection levels, and access needs to accommodate shipping, infrastructure maintenance, and tourism.
This work is not just about protecting fish stocks—though that is crucial. It is also about strengthening our resilience to climate change, maintaining biodiversity, and securing the long-term health of our ocean-based industries.
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment will continue to be actively engaged in these discussions, working closely with the fishing community, environmental scientists, and industry representatives to develop a plan that reflects both science and local experience. Final proposals will be guided by the input of our people and will undergo additional public consultation before submission to the Cabinet.
Each of these initiatives reflects the Government’s broader goal of ensuring that Bermuda remains a fair, stable, and affordable place to live. The work of the Ministry of Public Works and Environment is central to that vision. My Ministry is taking deliberate steps to improve the quality of life for all Bermudians.
Thank you.