Dear Sir,

On August 20, 2021, there was an article in The Royal Gazette by Owain Johnston-Barnes. I quote: “The Government has been urged to take action to prevent an historical Devonshire home from falling into disrepair. Montpelier, a listed building owned by the Bermuda Government, had been the official residence of the Deputy Governor. But it has been empty since 2018 and the building has started to deteriorate.”

As Mr Johnston-Barnes went on to say: “One wonders why, if the Bermuda Government no longer has a use for the house, it is not sold to someone who would restore and appreciate it."

It is now March 2025 and this once beautiful and historical house has deteriorated further — much further — with plywood in the windows among other signs of absolute neglect.

Originally occupied by a family in 1781, it is heartbreaking to realise that the Government has let this happen. As previously suggested in 2021, if the Government won’t or can’t start repairs, then sell it, rent it or knock it down!

Where is the pride we used to have in our island — be it the roads, roadside appearance and now buildings and homes? How many more structures owned by the Government are in the same state? Aren’t we better than this?

I used to think so.

LIBBY MADEIROS

Devonshire