Lt. Col. David Burch, the Public Works Minister said the key to addressing Bermuda’s housing problem is to continue seeking new sites to redevelop as it will not be solved overnight.

Some 200 people remain on the Bermuda Housing Corporation’s waitlist and will be housed based on their level of need.  

Renters will be charged between $1,100 to $1,600 per month for one bedroom or studio apartments at Harmony Hall in Paget, the former hotel.

Clients are responsible for furnishing and monthly utility bills. 

During an exclusive site visit Lt. Col. David Burch, the Public Works Minister said the demand for affordable housing has never been higher. 

Contract work on each unit here can take on average of nine months to refit from start to finish.  

Minister Burch contends these additional 12 units are only scratching the surface in a much larger challenge of increasing overall housing inventory and a race against time. 

The need to find adequate housing stock to relieve pressure in the market, Minister Burch and his team have flagged another impediment stemming from bureaucracy at the Department of Planning reportedly delaying approvals.

There was a public outcry following the decision to transition the Bermudiana Resort complex into rental units on South Shore Road. It was based on a business model to address the demands of the local housing market.  

Some shared concerns that affordable housing clients and ordinary renters could drive the quality of living down, a claim dismissed by the Minister.  

The BHC said they re-fitted each unit near identically to keep costs down by purchasing fixtures for repairs in bulk.  

The Minister said it’s another strategy by the government find new ways of streamlining affordable housing projects.  

A choice of four programmes are designed to provide enriching and educational opportunities for students up to senior school level hosted by the Department of Youth Affairs. 

A new programme of activities has been drawn up to keep youngsters busy over the festive period.

The Out of School Programme of Winter Activities has been organized by The Department of Youth Affairs, and runs from December the 23rd to January the 3rd.
A press release issued today states that it is designed to provide enriching, fun, and educational opportunities for young people of all ages.
The programme includes various activities across multiple locations and online registration opens tomorrow at 9am.
Tinee Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said, quote: “We understand how challenging it can be during the holidays, and our aim is to support families by offering these enriching, structured activities for children of all ages,” end quote.
To register, go online tomorrow to www.ospbermuda.bm or call 734-TOYA.

The charity is seeking the community’ support of their largest fundraising campaign which directly finances programs helping the island’s most vulnerable people.

Salvation Army held their official launch of the Annual Christmas Kettle campaign donation drive on Wednesday at the City Hall steps.  

They’re asking your help this season in continuing the work of their hope-giving mission. 

The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $1million in Kettle and Red Shied donations to support their feeding, housing and the Harbour Light rehabilitation programs that run all year round.  

Captain Dennis Maybury, the Salvation Army’s Regional Public Relations Officer said, “Last year the Salvation Army provided 8,085 seniors and local families with food hampers and toys at Christmas. This year the need is greater.”

The charity was overwhelmed with gratitude by the community response to their emergency calls to re-stock their food bank in October. 

Major Cathy Simms, Area Commander for Bermuda hopes people will extend their generosity. 

In the spirit of the season, Charles Gosling, Mayor of Hamilton and Dwayne Caines, the City CEO kicked off the ceremony with a donation of $10,000.   

Governor Rena Lalgie encouraged the wider community to continue to give freely this holiday season.  

The official opening was attended by, Premier David Burt, Ministers Lt. Col. David Burch, Tinee Furbert, the Northlands Primary school choir, and Salvation Army Brass Band.