The Minister for Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, explained, “The public and this Government fully understand the urgent need for quality senior care facilities in Bermuda.”
“To that end, the application for this project was submitted on March 5, 2025. Immediately upon receipt, and due to the project's importance, the Department of Planning expedited the application to obtain a DAB decision, which was made on April 2, 2025. Once the applicant submits an application for appeal, I will prioritise my review of the submission to make a swift determination in accordance with the Appeal Procedure Rules. I have every intention of seeing this project move forward without unnecessary delay.
“That said, this case also highlights a broader issue with the rigidity of existing planning policy in the 2018 Bermuda Plan. When applications with clear benefits, no detrimental planning impacts and social value — like housing for our seniors — are supported by the Department of Planning but blocked by technical policy constraints, it becomes clear that change is needed.
“Pending the wider review of the 2018 Plan, legislative amendments will be advanced to ensure that developments in the public interest don't become hostage to procedural red tape in the future. These changes will allow the planning system to respond more effectively and pragmatically without sacrificing accountability or standards.
“While others are quick to comment, we are focused on delivering tangible outcomes — both for this project and for the future of planning in Bermuda.”