The Upper House narrowly defeated the Municipalities Reform Act 2026, 6 vote to 5 votes yesterday
A senate block on plans to switch key powers from the corporations to central government has drawn strong reactions.
Yesterday, the Upper House narrowly voted down the Municipalities Reform Act 2026, which puts the issue on ice for at least a year.
Reform was designed to modernise systems and align the management of key public assets with the wider needs of the country.
This from Zane DeSilva, Minister of Housing and Municipalities, in response to yesterday’s pushback by the Senate.
He reiterated the need to strengthen oversight, improve accountability, and ensure more consistent delivery of services for residents and businesses.
For many, however, the Municipalities Reform Act 2026 was seen as detrimental to the democratic process and a sign of government overreach.
Minister DeSilva says while the Senate’s decision delays reform, it does not remove the need for it. Quote: “The question is not whether change is required, but how long Bermuda can afford to wait.”
The Opposition, meanwhile, takes a very different view.
Shadow Housing Minister Michael Fahy said the act would have removed the right of ratepayers and residents of the Corporations to vote.
Quote: “Government should go back to the drawing board and listen to the concerns of residents and municipal ratepayers alike.”
Urging the Minister to begin further consultation on the act, he said, quote “There is room for compromise, perhaps with some members of the Corporations appointed by way of a selection committee and others elected under the existing system with directly elected mayors,” end quote.
For his part, Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling welcomed yesterday’s Senate decision, describing it as an affirmation of the democratic process and local representation.
In a statement released yesterday, the mayor said defending the corporation had been a long and frustrating business.
The Mayor also acknowledged that the matter is not fully resolved.
In an interview with Bermuda Broadcasting prior to the Senate’s rejection of the act, the mayor expressed a willingness to find common ground.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the decision, the Mayor added: “Democracy is not theoretical; it is lived through participation, representation, and choice. Today’s result reinforces that those principles still matter and must continue to be protected.
“Municipal elections are now due to be held in May and I encourage all eligible residents and businesses within the City to ensure they are registered. We strongly encourage everyone to register and take part in the upcoming election.”
In his statement yesterday, the mayor rebuffed assertions that the integrity of the municipalities’ voting structure was compromised, and flatly rejected Senator Kim Wilkerson’s suggestion that individuals can cast multiple votes in a single election.
Quote: “There is no mechanism for double voting within the current system, and to suggest otherwise misrepresents both the legislation and the safeguards that are already in place.”
The Government said it will consider the next steps for municipal reform, including further engagement and consideration of any available legislative options.
