Municipalities Reform 2019

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

In March 2018, an Act was passed to (1) defer ordinary municipal elections for a year until May 2019 while the Government undertakes consultations with the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George, and the residents and ratepayers in each municipality; and (2) determine the most appropriate method to strengthen and modernise governance of the municipalities for the benefit of Bermuda.

Why is it necessary for the Government to modernise municipal governance?

It must be recognised that the City of Hamilton and the Town of St. George play a critical role in the economic health and wealth of Bermuda. The City of Hamilton is the centre and the engine that feeds the life-blood of Bermuda’s businesses. The Town of St. George is the historical and culture centre of Bermuda. Both cities must be rejuvenated into again becoming vibrant entities in order to attract more visitors and greater investment opportunities for our island and its people.

At present both entities have crumbling infrastructure and empty buildings that do not reflect a thriving city and town that is attractive to both visitors and investors.

What is Government’s vision for the two municipalities?

For the City of Hamilton, the vision is a “smart city” infrastructure with a thriving residential centre and entertainment hub with distinct districts to touch all aspects of city living including a tourism interface. In order to achieve this vision, the following needs must be met:

i.       The development of a multi-faceted waterfront;

ii.     Increased city living

iii.   Increased use of vacant office space

iv.   Effective traffic management using “smart city” technology

v.     Encouraging the development of ‘districts”, e.g. financial, entertainment, restaurant, etc.

For the Town of St. George, it is envisioned that there will be a mega-yacht port and marina with enhanced infrastructure, amenities and activities. In order to achieve this vision, the following needs must be met:

i.       A sustainable management plan for the world heritage site with the appropriate legislation and funding that will give the municipality the ability to effectively implement any recommendations that are identified;

ii.     A sustainable year-round (non-seasonal) industry;

iii.   Infrastructure and amenities to address the needs of the community including its businesses, for example the St. Regis development and any future developments large or small

iv.   General necessary infrastructure upgrades

At present the municipalities are responsible for mainly infrastructure. The available evidence suggests that neither Corporation has the financial and other means to achieve and sustain the vision to rejuvenate the cities. It is also evident that Central Government has greater access to the resources and expertise needed to achieve the vision.

PRIOR CONSULTATION

As noted at the beginning of this document it was stated that the Government would undertake consultations with the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George, and the residents and ratepayers in each municipality.

Meetings were held with the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George. In addition, three meetings were held with the constituents of the municipalities. A survey was also produced to obtain feedback from the public. The questions asked were:

1.     Describe a strong, positive, ideal relationship between the Corporation and the Government of Bermuda.

2.     In the current relationship between the Corporation and the Government of Bermuda, what is working?

3.     What would you like to see more of in the relationship between the Corporation and the Government of Bermuda?

4.     How would you create the ideal relationship between the Corporation and the Government of Bermuda?

The results of the survey and town hall meetings will be published shortly.

REQUEST FOR COMMENT ON OPTIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION

Following the consultation exercise, and given the vision that has been described above, the Government is considering the following options and requests your comments on these options. :

1.     Change both corporations to Quangos, leaving each organisation intact as a body corporate but increasing the Government’s oversight over key initiatives.

2.     Dissolving the corporations, repealing the Municipalities Act and integrating the corporations’ various functions into the Government’s administrative structure.