A shake-up of the Cabinet included a switch for Diallo Rabain, who is no longer Minister of Education and instead became the Cabinet Office and digital innovation minister.

The move was among several announced at a swearing-in ceremony today, when David Burt said that his latest team “will help us build a fairer, more stable, affordable Bermuda”.

Crystal Caesar was appointed Minister of Education.

She did not win a House of Assembly seat in the General Election last week but can serve in Cabinet after being appointed a senator.

Mr Rabain became education minister after the PLP’s election victory in July 2017.

In 2020, he was tasked with overseeing a radical transformation of the public school system, which would result in the eventual closure of several schools.

The initiative has faced pushback and other hurdles but Mr Rabain last October hailed the performance of organisations involved in education reform.

He highlighted then that “we have opened two signature schools, we have opened two parish primary schools, we are opening two parish primary schools in 2025 and we are opening another signature in 2025”.

It was announced in January that Mr Rabain was on extended medical leave, during which time Ms Caesar was Acting Minister of Education.

Rookie MP Alexa Lightbourne, who was elected to the Lower House for the first time on February 18, is the new Minister of Home Affairs.

The post was earlier held by Walter Roban, who announced last year his planned retirement from politics.

At a ceremony at Camden House, the Premier outlined “an entire realignment of the Government” as the Progressive Labour Party administration enters a third successive term under Mr Burt’s leadership.

He said that Ms Lightbourne’s focus as Minister of Home Affairs, will be to tackle cost-of-living issues.

Mr Burt said: “To address the cost of living the Government must have a clear oversight of the financial and regulatory issues that impact prices.

“To that end, we have decided to consolidate energy, telecommunications, Regulatory Authority and consumer affairs into a single ministry.

“This ministry … is now directly responsible for addressing the high cost of essential utilities, ensuring that energy providers cannot indiscriminately pass along fees and guaranteeing that any duty reductions on essentials actually benefit the consumer.”

Owen Darrell, who is also an MP for the first time, adds transport to his remit, so that he is now the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport.

He earlier served in the Cabinet as a member of the Senate.

Zane DeSilva will return to the Cabinet in a newly created Ministry of Housing and Municipalities.

Explaining that appointment, Mr Burt said: “Housing is one of the most vital issues that our island faces today.

“Given its importance the Government will dedicate a full ministry to housing, emphasising how critical affordable housing solutions are to Bermuda’s future.”

Jaché Adams, who was earlier junior finance minister, will join the Cabinet as Minister of Public Works and Environment, replacing the retired Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch.

The ministry has been restructured to include a greater focus on climate resilience and will “lead infrastructure development, waste management and environmental transition — recognising that a modern, efficient Bermuda must also be a greener, more climate-resilient one”, Mr Burt said.

The Premier told the gathering: “Today marks a new beginning for the Government, one that we enter with renewed focus, strength and resolve.

“We come to this moment following a decisive election filled with healthy debates and differing visions for our island’s future.

“Voters were presented with a plethora of choices as to whom they wanted to represent them in the legislature.

“However, the outcome of this election was clear and now this Government has a duty to govern for every Bermudian no matter their party or preference.

“Our top priority will be to deliver on the mandate that the people have given us that reflects your hopes as well as your concerns.”

Mr Burt outlined a list of goals that his party had achieved during the last Parliament.

He added: “Today, with a culmination of new and experienced members of the legislature, we continue with our work to build a fairer Bermuda, and with this team of 30 women and men address the issues that matter to Bermudians.

“You have told us loud and clear that too many families are stretched thin by housing costs, utility bills and everyday essentials, so in response to that this Government will establish a new Cabinet team designed to deliver results effectively and cohesively.

“Through a reconfiguration, each ministry now has a clearer mandate, ensuring fewer overlaps and faster action.”

Mr Burt continues to hold the ministerial brief for finance, and will have Wayne Furbert as a Junior Minister of Finance.

Kim Wilson will still be the health minister and Tinée Furbert retains her role as Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.

Michael Weeks will continue to be Minister of National Security, where he will progress implementation and execution of the National Violence Reduction Strategy.

Jason Hayward will keep his role as Minister of Economy and Labour, with the additional responsibilities of the Registry General and intellectual property.

Kim Wilkerson continues to serve as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice with her seat in the Upper House.

The Premier said that other government senators will be Lindsay Simmons and Mischa Fubler, who will be joined by Lauren Bell.

Dennis Lister III, an MP, will be Junior Minister of Justice in the House of Assembly.

Speaking after the ceremony, Ms Lightbourne said she was honoured to be a minister.

She said: “Like all appointments it’s always a surprise but it’s also an honour.

“Today’s day 1. I have been able to engage with the permanent secretary who has been assigned to my ministry and I look forward to unpacking and learning more as the days unfold.”

Mr Adams was also looking forward to his new role.

He said: “I’ve just been appointed. I will meet with the team later this afternoon and we’ll discuss the priorities but I am well aware of the concerns that the people have — not just the roads but critical infrastructure as well.“

Mr DeSilva, who was forced to resign as the Minister of Tourism and Transport in 2020 over his attendance at event that breached Covid-19 public safety rules, also looked pleased to be back in the Cabinet.

Asked if he would face conflicts of interest as a minister responsible for affordable housing while owning a successful construction company, he replied: “I’ve had a bit of experience with construction and development and I think it’ll be a good fit.

“In Bermuda if you don’t have a conflict, something’s wrong. We’re small and there are a lot of business people in Government. History will show that, our future will show that.

“In the next couple of years I think you’ll find that we’re going to move and we’re going to move quickly. It’s one of the largest things facing our people at the moment.”

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