New Public Works & Environment Minister expands on plans for the year ahead
One of our most pressing concerns.
This is how newly-minted Minister of Public Works and Environment, Jache Adams, described the condition of our roads.
Expanding on Throne Speech plans, Mr Adams said not only will Public Roads be addressed, but amendments to laws governing Private Roads will give the Minister more authority to streamline the implementation of safety measures:
Taking on the mantle of the Environment Ministry, formally under Home Affairs, Minister Jache Adams reiterated that the implementation of new Marine Protected Areas will be paused while discussions take place with Stakeholders.
He said an official meeting with fishermen is pending, and even acknowledged a degree of ‘course-correction’ when it comes to the Ocean Prosperity Plan:
FULL MINISTERIAL STATEMENT, JACHE ADAMS, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS & ENVIRONMENT:
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.
