Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with an update on major infrastructure works and public improvement projects being delivered across our island.

Over the past year serving in this role, I have come to appreciate that much of Government’s work is not always immediately visible to the public. Infrastructure projects often move forward quietly through planning, coordination, procurement, repairs, and steady execution long before the result can be seen and fully appreciated.

At the same time the people of Bermuda quite rightly expect to know what is being delivered and what practical difference these projects will make in their daily lives. That understanding continues to shape the Ministry of Public Works and Environment’s approach, with a focus on disciplined delivery, clear oversight, and consistent communication.

Over recent months, this Government has continued making meaningful investments in Bermuda’s public infrastructure. Whether in healthcare, roads, docks, public buildings, water infrastructure, or recreational facilities, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment remains focused on delivering improvements that Bermudians can see and benefit from in their daily lives.

Mr. Speaker, during the recent Royal Visit, His Majesty the King officially opened the new St. David’s Coast Guard Station. This project represents not only an important investment in Bermuda’s maritime response capability, but also the successful repurposing of an underutilised government facility into infrastructure that now serves a practical and nationally important purpose. The building itself is now ready for occupation, with final dock works continuing.

Mr. Speaker, the restoration of the Mangrove Bay Clinic in Sandys similarly reflects this Government’s commitment to revitalising public assets and returning essential services to communities.

The building has now been returned to its healthcare function and transformed into a modern facility that will once again provide important community services to residents in the west.

Physical works began in May 2025 and the project is now substantively complete. Final operational items remain underway, and the clinic is anticipated to open in June 2026, subject to confirmation by the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Speaker, significant progress has also been made in improving community and recreational infrastructure across the island.
Repairs to the docks at White’s Island and Ports Island were completed ahead of the summer season, alongside additional maintenance works at several public dock facilities to support safe public access and recreational use.

In the east, the Ministry, together with the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, recently opened a new 24-hour water truck outlet at Carter’s Bay Road in Southside. This facility will reduce travel times for water operators servicing St. David’s and St. George’s while easing pressure on the central water distribution network.

Mr. Speaker, this is something many within the water trucking industry has been requesting for some time and it is something the Government is proud to have delivered.

Continuing in the east, the upgraded public boat ramp at Stone Crusher Corner has now been completed and reopened in time for the powerboat racing season, supporting both community recreation and one of Bermuda’s longstanding sporting traditions.

Importantly, the upgraded facility will also support operational access for the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard and improve functionality for marine response activities in the area.

Mr. Speaker, this Government is also continuing to advance major national infrastructure projects that will shape Bermuda for decades to come.

The Request for Proposal process for the replacement of Swing Bridge is now officially underway, with contractors invited to bid on this critical national project.

This marks a major milestone and an important step toward the eventual construction of a modern replacement bridge that will improve reliability, resilience, and connectivity for residents and businesses in the east end.

Earlier this month, the Ministry hosted a networking event connected to the project, bringing together local contractors and prospective international bidders as part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring meaningful local participation in major infrastructure investment.

Mr. Speaker, important progress is also being made in preserving and upgrading public buildings and government infrastructure.
At Government House, significant works have recently been completed, including roof repairs, electrical upgrades, water storage improvements, kitchen upgrades, and restoration works within the historic property.

At Sessions House, work is continuing to support the long-term restoration and modernisation of this important parliamentary building. Arrangements have now been completed to advance renovation planning and prepare the way for the formal procurement phase of the project.

I can also advise this Honourable House that following the upcoming Bermuda Day Holiday, the next phase of work will commence with internal demolition and preparatory works within the building as part of the broader restoration effort.

Mr. Speaker, while major capital projects often receive the greatest public attention, much of the Ministry’s work takes place every day within communities across Bermuda.

Over the past few months, numerous smaller but important infrastructure improvements have been completed across the island.
These include new safety railings and fencing at Mullet Bay Park, Cook’s Hill, and Mangrove Bay Road, new bus shelters at Clearwater Beach, Texas Road, and Malabar Road, additional pedestrian safety beacons near King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Bermuda Athletic Association.

Road paving and improvement works have also been completed in several areas, including Verdmont Road, Flatts, Orange Valley Road, and Spanish Point.

In addition to these completed works, several projects remain actively underway, including the Grotto Bay bus lay-by expansion and associated sidewalk and traffic infrastructure works. These works will not only assist with better traffic flow but also improve safety measures for pedestrians.

The Ministry has also made significant improvements to the water network that services communities such as Cedar Park and Mary Victoria. This includes replacing ageing pipeline infrastructure and upgrades designed to improve reliability, and overall service delivery to residents in these areas. This work is still on going but we are making steady progress.

Mr. Speaker, while meaningful progress is being made, I fully acknowledge that there is still much more work ahead.

Bermudians continue to expect improvements to roads, public facilities, and infrastructure across the island, and rightly so. Capital projects do not happen overnight, but this Government remains committed to steadily moving the country forward through practical action and continued investment.

This Government remains committed to investing responsibly in public infrastructure, modernising critical assets, and ensuring taxpayers see visible results from those investments.

We are making progress, we are improving Bermuda’s infrastructure, and we will continue doing the work necessary to build a stronger and more resilient country.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.