Veteran Zane DeSilva, seat-flipper Jache Adams and newcomer Alexa Lightbourne in the reshuffle
Premier David Burt has announced his new Cabinet – one week after taking power with 25 out of 36 seats, losing only four to the OBA, amid the lowest voter turnout in modern history. (SCROLL DOWN FOR FULL LIVE BROADCAST)
Governor Andrew Murdoch conducted a swearing-in ceremony at a packed Camden House in Paget this morning.
Nine ministers retained their titles; however, some saw changes to their briefs.
Premier David Burt will remain Minister of Finance, with responsibilities remaining largely unchanged apart from taking on land valuation, which had previously fallen under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Kim Wilson will continue to serve as Minister of Health.
Tinee Furbert will retain her role as Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.
Michael Weeks continues serving as Minister of National Security.
Jason Haward will retain his role as Minister of Economy and Labour, with his ministry assuming additional responsibilities for the Registry General and intellectual property, previously under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Owen Darrell will continue to serve as Minister under the newly styled Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport.
Minister Diallo Rabain will continue to serve in Cabinet; however, instead of remaining as Education Minister, he will lead the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation.
Crystal Ceaser, formerly Minister for the Cabinet Office, will be Bermuda’s new Minister of Education, as well as continue her role as a member of the Senate.
Attorney General Kim Wilkerson retains her role as leader of the government Senate team and as Minister of Justice.
“Through a reconfiguration, each ministry now has a clearer mandate, ensuring fewer overlaps and faster action,” explained Premier Burt.
During his address, he also thanked Wayne Furbert for his service as Transport Minister and said he will continue serving as Junior Minister of Finance.
Meanwhile, three new ministers were unveiled.
Acknowledging the pressing issue of housing, the government has dedicated a full ministry responsible for housing policy and oversight, including the Bermuda Housing Corporation and the Bermuda Land Management Corporation.
Zane Desilva returns to the cabinet and has been appointed as Minister of Housing and Municipalities.
On the cost-of-living theme, Premier Burt announced that energy, telecommunications, the Regulatory Authority, and consumer affairs will be consolidated into a single ministry.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will take on the task of addressing the high cost of utilities. Newly elected MP Alexa Lightbourne will head this Ministry.
The Ministry of Public Works has been restructured to include a greater focus on climate resilience.
Jache Adams takes up the helm of the newly styled Ministry of Public Works and Environment – leading infrastructure development, waste management and green transitions.
As for the Senate team, Premier Burt asked the following people to continue serving:
Lindsay Simmons will serve as a senator and Junior Minister for Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Home Affairs and National Security.
Mischa Fubler will serve as a senator and Junior Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, and Public Works and Environment.
The newest member of the Senate team is Lauren Hayward Bell, who will serve as a senator and Junior Minister for Health, Economy and Labour, and Housing and Municipalities.
Meanwhile, MP Dennis Lister the Third will serve as Junior Minister for Justice.
Before new Ministers and Senators swore an oath to remain committed to their duties in accordance with the Ministerial Code of Conduct, Governor Murdoch wished each member the best of luck in their respective work.
