Good morning, members of the media and the listening public.
Thank you for joining me today. As we continue working toward the betterment of all residents in 2025, I am pleased to share the Ministry of Home Affairs' progress and accomplishments over the past year and our continued commitment to Bermuda's sustainability, resilience, and modernization.
The Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to protect our environment, enhance energy security, improve regulatory efficiency, and ensure a better quality of life for all residents. Today, I will highlight key achievements in climate resilience, renewable energy, digital transformation, marine protection, and food security.
Addressing Climate Change
Like many small island states, Bermuda faces growing challenges due to climate change. Last year, we completed the pivotal study Bermuda and Climate Change: Impacts from Sea Level Rise and Changing Storm Activity, funded by the UK Government and conducted by Smith Warner International. This research assessed vulnerabilities and informed our strategy for resilience.
In response, we expanded the Multi-sectoral Climate Change Task Force to develop a National Action Plan, raise public awareness, and strengthen legislation to ensure Bermuda is prepared for the environmental challenges ahead.
Reducing Energy Costs & Advancing Renewable Energy
Affordability and sustainability remain key priorities in our energy sector. Our LED Giveaway Initiative, in collaboration with Age Concern and the Salvation Army, has distributed over 150,000 LED bulbs, helping residents save an estimated $375,000 in energy costs.
Furthermore, the Electricity Amendment Act 2024 introduces the Bulk Generation Sole Use Installation (BGSUI) licence, allowing commercial developments, hotels, and data centres to generate renewable energy on-site. This legislation marks a significant step toward reducing Bermuda's reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with our target of an 85% reduction by 2035, as outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan.
We have also implemented the Energy Regulatory Sandbox, which allows developers to test renewable energy technologies in a controlled environment, stimulating innovation and economic growth.
Additionally, our partnership with Google has facilitated the landing of the Nuvem submarine cable, positioning Bermuda as a Digital Atlantic Hub and unlocking new investment and connectivity opportunities.
Ensuring Clean Air & Water
Also, remaining at the forefront of our agenda is Environmental protection. The Clean Air Amendment Act 2024 strengthens air quality standards, increases fines for non-compliance, and improves monitoring capabilities. Similarly, the Water Resources Amendment Act 2024 enhances groundwater protection, reinforcing Bermuda's commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.
Streamlining Public Services
We have taken significant steps to reduce bureaucracy. The Registration (Births and Deaths) Amendment Act 2024 expedites the issuance of death certificates, allowing families to manage legal and financial matters more efficiently.
Additionally, we have introduced voluntary registration of vital documents for Bermudians born or married overseas, strengthening our national records and generating revenue from certified copies.
Land Title Modernization & Digital Transformation
Regarding Land Title Modernization & Digital Transformation, a significant milestone in 2024 will be the launch of an AI-powered land title registration system. It is expected that this cutting-edge system will reduce processing times from 3-5 days to just 10 minutes, clearing backlogs and increasing efficiency by 99%. This system marks a transformative step in modernizing our property records.
Further digital initiatives include GovPilot, a new Software as a service platform for digitizing government services. The first implementation, an online Dog Licensing system, is set to launch in March 2025, enhancing efficiency and convenience for residents.
Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in partnership with Muuvment and the Department of Education, is developing an interactive online platform to enhance sustainability education in Bermuda’s schools. Designed to raise environmental awareness, the platform is currently being evaluated by a focus group of Bermudian students to ensure its effectiveness. Set to launch in March 2025, it will play a key role in fostering environmental stewardship among young people and reinforcing Bermuda’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Strengthening Marine Protection
Bermuda is also proud to be a leader in marine conservation. Through the Blue Belt Ocean Shield (BBOS) partnership, we have improved fisheries sustainability and monitoring. Collaboration with the UK and the U.S. Coast Guard has enhanced our enforcement capabilities, with patrols in our Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Bermuda Marine Resources Enforcement Strategy is also being finalized to strengthen our management of marine resources while addressing community concerns.
Additionally, we have introduced legislative protections for sharks, aligning with international conservation efforts.
Enhancing Agriculture & Food Security
The Ministry is also working to enhance our agriculture and food security. Many will have learned of my recent announcement to develop a new 15,000-square-foot Agriculture Services Centre, which will significantly invest in our food security. This facility will offer advanced cold storage, humidity-controlled areas, and modern food processing capabilities, improving local food production and resilience against global supply disruptions.
Our collaboration with agronomist Stewart Swanson has provided critical support for farmers, including soil surveys, pesticide training, and strategies for getting the best out of our crops. This work ensures that Bermuda's agricultural sector remains productive and sustainable.
Conclusion
As we reflect on 2024 and look forward to the remainder of 2025, I am proud of the strides we have made in advancing sustainability, modernizing our services, and protecting our natural resources.
As everyone will know, I have decided that this will be my final term in public service and this, my last press conference as Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs. Serving the people of Bermuda has been an incredible honour, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the island’s growth and progress. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the resilience, innovation, and spirit of our people. Through legislative reforms, strategic partnerships, and innovative technologies, we are building a resilient and forward-thinking Bermuda, and I am confident that our future remains bright.
To that end, I am certain that the Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs remain committed to advancing these goals, and I look forward to seeing them work for Bermuda's betterment.
For more details, please review the Ministry of Home Affairs 2024 Year in Review document, available online at gov.bm.
Thank you, and I welcome any questions.