Since being appointed Minister on March 7, I have been struck by the volume and urgency of planning-related concerns that have come my way.

I've received emails, WhatsApp messages, and countless conversations with people stopping me in the street, all pointing to one thing: Bermudians care deeply about how our planning system functions and want to see it work better.

Whether you are a homeowner seeking approval for a small renovation, a contractor eager to break ground, or a professional trying to move a project forward, I hear you. We hear you. And we are taking this seriously.

Planning is a complex Department, with many responsibilities. From shaping the future of development with forward-looking policies, to ensuring that life safety is protected, they work tirelessly and thanklessly.  The team is small, dedicated, and every piece of what they do is driven by the legislation to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability- with an exceptionally high degree of integrity.  I am proud of the high standards that the team upholds. 

That said, the current system is not meeting expectations. Some applicants experience delays and the process feels unclear and unpredictable for many.

While we acknowledge these challenges, today is about solutions. Our focus is on transforming concerns into meaningful action.

Our Action Plan

1. Stakeholder Engagement Sessions

Beginning in May, we will launch a series of stakeholder engagement sessions, bringing together agents, architects, engineers, and contractors—everyone who interacts with the planning system.

Let me be clear: This is not about assigning blame. It is about co-creating solutions through genuine dialogue that leads to real improvements.

2. Strengthening Industry Collaboration

We are also building upon the Department of Planning's ongoing engagement with industry bodies.

Regular meetings with the Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Bermuda Architects (IBA), and the Professional Engineers Registration Council (PERC) have laid an important foundation. I want to thank the Director and her team for their dedication to maintaining these vital relationships.

However, as concerns grow in both volume and urgency, we must take this conversation to the next level.

That is why I am announcing the formation of a Planning Efficiency & Compliance Taskforce. This dedicated group will closely examine the system, benchmark it against international best practices, and recommend specific, measurable improvements.

The goal is not to replace existing structures—it is to enhance capacity, strengthen accountability, and deliver visible change that benefits the public.

3. Revitalizing Public Feedback Mechanisms

An existing tool allows the public to submit comments and suggestions to the Department of Planning, but awareness of this resource remains low, and usage is even lower.

We intend to change that by actively promoting the feedback portal, making it more accessible and user-friendly. If we are serious about improving the system, we must ensure that those who use it have a direct voice in shaping its future.

Our Guiding Principles

We are guided throughout this process by clear principles:

• We are open and willing to collaborate with anyone offering constructive ideas.

• It’s not about politics; it is about public service.

• We aim to build a planning system that operates faster, fair, and more transparent for all.

Acknowledging the Public and Our Team

Thank you to the many professionals and residents who have already reached out. Your voices are instrumental in shaping where improvements are needed, and we encourage your continued input.

I also want to again express my sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff at the Department of Planning. They are hardworking public servants committed to fairness, justice, and professionalism. Despite facing significant pressures and, at times, unwarranted criticism, they continue to serve with integrity, ensuring that all building operations comply with current codes and that planning policies are upheld to protect our community's welfare.

This effort is not about pointing fingers; it is about moving forward together.

We are not here to make excuses but to make progress.

Let’s work together to build a planning system that serves us all.

Thank you.