Admiralty House Consultation

As a mother of two young children who are both autistic, I feel strongly that Bermuda must begin investing more intentionally in early childhood development and inclusive learning spaces. At present, support services, trained educators, and purpose-built facilities for autism and neurodiversity in Bermuda are extremely limited, and families are often left navigating this landscape without adequate guidance, structured programming, or consistent educational support.

Admiralty House presents a rare opportunity to create a dedicated, calm, and supportive learning and development centre for autistic and neurodiverse children, designed with accessibility, sensory needs, and family support in mind. A facility of this nature could support early intervention services, therapy-aligned programming, caregiver education, and inclusive learning activities in a setting that is naturally grounding. It would address a clear and growing community need, while demonstrating a national commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and long-term social resilience.

Alternatively, the site could be repurposed as an environmental, marine, and sustainability learning centre for children and young people. Bermuda’s economy depends heavily on tourism and international business, yet environmental education within the school system remains limited. Our young people are not being adequately equipped to understand, protect, or steward the natural environment that underpins the island’s identity, economy, and future.

A learning facility at Admiralty House could help bridge this gap by fostering stronger connections between young generations and the natural environment, teaching sustainability, climate awareness, and conservation through hands-on experience. This would help position Bermuda as a trailblazing island in environmental stewardship, particularly at a time of increasing globalisation, political instability, and climate risk.

Whether focused on autism and neurodiversity support or environmental education, the future use of Admiralty House should prioritise long-term public value over short-term gain. Both options would ensure the site is actively used, properly maintained, and meaningfully integrated into the community, rather than continuing to deteriorate through inactivity.

Any future plan should place strong emphasis on safety, accessibility, environmental protection, and transparent governance, supported by professional oversight, to ensure this important public asset serves current needs while safeguarding Bermuda’s future.