Mr. Speaker,
In 2022, Bermuda took a bold and deliberate step to attract Google and its first cable Nuvem, a transatlantic subsea cable linking South Carolina to Portugal via Bermuda. Such a bold step, under the leadership of former Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, was taken with measured intentionality and vision. This relationship materialized due to a firm policy approach grounded in long-term strategy, infrastructure readiness, and the belief that small jurisdictions can play a major role in shaping the global digital economy.
Mr. Speaker,
Today, I am pleased to build on that established relationship and confirm that Bermuda will again serve as a critical node in global digital connectivity. On July 9th, Google announced a second transatlantic cable, named Sol, the Spanish word for “sun.” This new cable will connect Florida to Spain, transiting through Bermuda and the Azores, and will serve as the only direct in-service fibre-optic connection between Florida and Europe.
Mr. Speaker,
Importantly, this second cable confirms that Bermuda is a deliberate choice based on our regulatory clarity, technical preparedness, and geographical relevance. Google’s further investment in our shores, through the establishment of Sol signals that our jurisdiction is one of trust, regulatory certainty and sound governance.
Mr. Speaker,
Sea Grass Services Limited, Google’s subsidiary in Bermuda, will pending, final approval from the Department of Planning, construct a landing station at Southside, St. David’s supported by our community. The landing station will be capable of accommodating up to four subsea fibre optic cables, effectively positioning Bermuda as a permanent fixture in the global network routing architecture. Sol will strengthen Bermuda’s resilience. It will link to the new Nuvem system to provide unprecedented transatlantic redundancy.
Mr. Speaker,
What is clear to me, is the fact that Bermuda is no longer speaking in hypotheticals and an aspirational manner regarding digital diversification. We have evidenced the fruits of our tangible and successful groundwork. Groundwork that has been laid with forward-leaning policy, transparent processes, and interagency coordination. Google has made Bermuda a repeat partner and is supported by its standing as one of the world’s most consequential technology firms. And, Mr. Speaker, we should be equally clear that this is only the fruit of good governance, good policy and good legislation.
Mr. Speaker,
Google’s Town Hall held on June 17, 2025, in St. David’s is further proof of the company’s commitment to our communities. Their outreach efforts have been inclusive, informative, and well received. At the session, Google reaffirmed its intention to:
• Diversify Bermuda’s legacy economy;
• Support the development and training of local talent; and
• Drive climate-positive innovation in partnership with Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker,
This announcement comes at a time when the global economic environment is rapidly shifting, developing faster than traditional sectors. The Government of Bermuda understands that securing relevance in that economy requires us to move beyond slogans and promises and demands that we redouble our efforts to facilitate physical infrastructure, establish credible regulation, and earn the trust of notable public institutions. Today we celebrate the delivery of all three of those aims.
Mr. Speaker,
There is undoubtedly economic significance in this relationship. But more importantly there are strategic advancements that must not be overlooked. Advancements in how and what Bermuda is known for. Through our relationship with Google, we also demonstrate a strategic evolution.
Mr. Speaker,
It is an evolution and investment in our future. A future where Bermuda moves from being simply known for insurance or tourism, and it entrenches its role and reputation in the digital economy. This economy, Mr. Speaker, that is the digital backbone that powers financial systems, health networks, AI services, digital finance and international research. It is shaping how we interact in this world. It is shaping how data moves, how systems interconnect and how innovation is delivered. This same cable, that joins its sister cable will carry cloud traffic, provide expanded capacity for our local providers and deliver AI models across the Atlantic. It will bring Bermuda along with it and will now also route through St. David’s.
Mr. Speaker,
This is a tremendous accomplishment. An accomplishment that all of Bermuda can be proud of.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.