Legislation aimed at merging two government bodies is set to be debated in the House of Assembly today, while several pieces of new legislation are due to be tabled.

The West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024, if approved, will complete the merger between Wedco and the Bermuda Land Development Corporation.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, previously told the House that the new Bermuda Land Management Corporation would manage all assets owned by Wedco and the soon-to-be-dissolved BLDC.

In addition, he said that there would be no job losses with the merger.

Colonel Burch said that over the past two years a number of operational activities had taken place to prepare for the amalgamation, including new collective bargaining agreements, reviews of job descriptions and integration of computer systems into a single location.

The merger was originally hoped to be completed in January. However, it was reported that challenges had arisen with the drafting of the legislation to finalise the project.

Legislation to be tabled includes the Corporate Income Tax Agency Act 2024, which would create the titular body and set out its organisational structure and powers.

The Development and Planning Amendment Act 2024 and the Bermuda Hospitals Board Amendment Act 2024 are also anticipated to be tabled during today’s sitting of the House.

Several ministerial statements are also expected, including a statement on pension equity by David Burt, the Premier; an update on refurbishments to the Tynes Bay Waste-to-Energy facility by Colonel Burch; and an update on the education reform process by Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, is also expected to provide answers to parliamentary questions on delays in the passport application and renewal process.