Good morning, everyone.

Today marks an important step forward for Bermuda as we introduce a new digital front door for the Government.

I am very pleased to announce the launch of the new Gov.bm portal, a platform designed to make it easier for the public to find information, access services, and stay informed.

This new portal is about improving how people interact with their Government.

For many years, we recognised that government information could be difficult to find. This new platform changes that by bringing services, news, and official information together in one place, organised around how people actually search.

It is designed to be simpler, faster, and more intuitive.

The new Gov.bm includes a smart search feature that helps users find what they need quickly and efficiently.

It is also fully optimised for mobile devices and built to meet accessibility standards, ensuring that all members of our community, including persons who are visually impaired, can access information with ease.

We have also made privacy a priority.

This platform does not rely on third-party trackers, meaning that government data remains secure and under our control.

Importantly, this system was built right here in Bermuda. Our local Portal Services Team within the Department of Information and Digital Technologies designed and developed the platform using modern tools, including AI-assisted coding, to support the process.

The redevelopment of the Gov.bm portal was one of several initiatives identified through the Government’s 100 Day Accelerator Programme, which challenged the idea that government projects have to take years to complete.

After executing the 100 day Accelerator program, aimed at discussing and designing a new portal, our local teams lead the way. This website revamp has been taken from concept to completion, showing that we can build modern, user-focused digital services quickly and efficiently.

By building this system in-house, we have avoided costly software licensing fees and created a more sustainable, cost-effective solution for the long term.

It also allows government ministry and department teams to update information quicker, ensuring the public has real time access to accurate and timely content.

We are taking a careful and structured approach to the rollout. At this stage, both the current website and the new portal will run in parallel to ensure there is no disruption to services.

The existing site remains available at www.gov.bm, while the new platform is now live in at www2.gov.bm.

Over the coming months, we encourage the public to explore the new site and provide feedback as we prepare for the full transition.

This is a significant step in our digital transformation. Digital transformation is not just about introducing new technology. It is about improving how Government operates, how services are delivered, and how we meet the expectations of the public in a modern world.

The launch of the new Gov.bm portal is one important part of a broader Digital Transformation Programme that is focused on creating more accessible, efficient, and citizen-centred government services.

Through this programme, Government is working to:

• Expand online services so that more transactions can be completed digitally, reducing the need for in-person visits.

• Improve the One-Stop Shop approach, making it easier for residents and businesses to access government information and services in one place.

• Strengthen digital identity, security, and privacy protections to ensure public confidence in government systems.

• Modernise payment services and support more convenient ways for people to make government payments online.

• Use artificial intelligence and automation tools where appropriate to improve customer service, streamline internal processes, and reduce delays.

• Improve data sharing and integration between government systems so that departments can work more efficiently and provide better service.

• Build digital skills across the public service to ensure government employees are equipped to work in a more digital environment.

• Continue investing in reliable, secure, and resilient digital infrastructure that supports both government operations and public services.

Together, these efforts will help create a government that is more responsive, more efficient, and better equipped to serve the people of Bermuda in the years ahead.

This is about more than updating a website, it’s about improving how Government serves the people of Bermuda.

I encourage everyone to visit the new platform, explore its features, and experience a more accessible and user-friendly way to connect with Government.

Thank you.