Construction boss sees his appointment as Minister of Housing as “a huge advantage” for the role
Zane DeSilva has returned to the Cabinet as the new Minister of Housing & Municipalities.
The appointment was made today, as Premier David Burt rolled out his new Ministers, Junior Ministers and Senators following last week’s General Election win.
The Premier said, “Government will dedicate a full ministry to housing, emphasizing how critical affordable housing solutions are to Bermuda’s future.”
Mr DeSilva’s ministry will be responsible for housing policy, the Bermuda Housing Corporation and the Bermuda Land Management Corporation. He will also hold responsibilities concerning the municipalities of Hamilton and St George’s.
Mr DeSilva is President & CEO of Island Construction, one of Bermuda’s largest construction businesses.
When asked to address any perceived conflict-of-interest concerns, Mr DeSilva said “In Bermuda, if you don’t have a conflict, something’s wrong.”
“We’re small. There are a lot of business people in government. History will show that. Future will show that. But I look at it as being a huge advantage.”
Another addition to Cabinet in this reshuffle is first-time MP Alexa Lightbourne, who takes on a consolidated Ministry of Home Affairs that has a cost of living focus – with BELCO and grocery stores in its crosshairs.
Premier David Burt said, “We have decided to consolidate energy, telecommunications Regulatory Authority and consumer affairs into a single ministry… directly responsible to address the high cost of essential utilities, ensuring that energy providers cannot indiscriminately pass along fees, and guaranteeing that any duty reductions on essentials actually benefit the consumers.”
Jache Adams, the only PLP MP who flipped an OBA seat in the 2020 and retained it in 2025, will be the newly styled Minister of Public Works and Environment.
Premier David Burt said of his Ministry, “This newly aligned ministry will lead infrastructure development, waste management and environmental transition, recognizing that a modern, efficient Bermuda must also be a greener, more climate resilient one.”
