An array of measures described by David Burt, the Premier, as the most significant investment in the island’s social services in 20 years was announced yesterday in the House of Assembly.

Mr Burt pledged an investment package of $25 million that “reflects our commitment to invest in tackling the social challenges facing Bermuda”.

He highlighted the need to “confront the growing challenge of mental health” and said the Government would “also expand substance abuse and intervention programmes”.

Mr Burt added that the Government was “still on track to deliver a balanced Budget”.

The move was commended by Social Justice Bermuda, although the group said it hoped to see more support for community intervention programmes rather than policing.

Family Centre also commended the Premier’s “emphasis on breaking intergenerational cycles of violence and expanding access to trauma counselling”.

Mr Burt said the midyear Budget review promised in July, and tied to the tabling this morning of the Supplementary Estimate No. 1 for Financial Year 2024-25, would bring extra support for trauma counselling services, programmes to combat domestic violence and more resources to teachers and social workers.

“Due to budget constraints, these services have not been funded to the level that meets the need,” he added.

“Today, that will change, and additional funds will be used to clear backlogs in assessments for at-risk students to ensure they have access to the required early intervention.”

A breakdown of supplementary estimates for 2024-25 showed the biggest allocation for the Ministry of National Security, at $4.4 million, half of which was listed for “additional police officers“.

Police were also to receive $500,000 for body camera upgrades, and $325,000 for computer system updates.

The estimates gave figures of $850,000 for antisocial behaviour intervention and $650,000 for mental health support and trauma counselling.

In the Department of Corrections, $400,000 was earmarked for inmate rehabilitation, and $300,000 for addiction intervention in the Department of National Drug Control.

At the ministry headquarters, $475,000 was listed for the island’s CCTV network.

Just over $1.5 million was assigned to student support services in the Ministry of Education, while $2.29 million for the Ministry of Health mainly covered mental health support.

The Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute was marked for $350,000.

The multimillion-dollar package will also come with infrastructure funding.

Mr Burt said it would cover “private road works, community lighting, upgrades to youth centres, refurbishments of community playgrounds, and doubling the funding to clear vegetation from roadsides, Railway Trails and parks”.

The spending will also launch funding for “the opening of a senior daycare facility to reduce the burden on adults who care for senior parents”, Mr Burt said.

Phase one of that project showed an $850,000 allocation.

The Government was said to be working on an improved online portal to access its services, from permit applications to payments.

Mr Burt said the investment package would boost after-school programmes as well as apprenticeships and training, and bring help for the homeless population.

In the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, a $3.26 million allocation included $725,000 in support for the unsheltered, and $728,930 allocated for support services for seniors.

Mr Burt pledged more staffing for health clinics, a capital grant to the Bermuda College, and more funding for the Cost of Living Commission — which, along with the Department of Consumer Affairs, was allocated $250,000.

At the Ministry of Finance, $3.5 million was assigned for the Corporate Income Tax Agency, which was also listed for a $1 million capital grant under the finance headquarters.

In Cabinet, $1.25 million was earmarked for digital transformation initiatives.

MPs heard the aim of the package was “to ensure that Bermuda’s economic progress is felt by all Bermudians”.

The Premier added: “Ministers of the Government will share further details of the programmes, some which have already been implemented, next week when these measures are debated by honourable members.”

Social Justice Bermuda told The Royal Gazette it welcomed “investments in the community, especially in areas such as mental health, domestic violence intervention, and youth services, which align with our values and priorities”.

The group said it would need to review details on the allocations and added: “We believe it is crucial to prioritise preventive measures and community-based programmes, which have a more sustainable impact on reducing antisocial behaviour.

“While we recognise the need for public safety, we would like to see a greater focus on resources for education, social workers, early and consistent community interventions and support, and rehabilitation, rather than policing.”

The group added: “While we are eager to see this much needed capital directed towards critical programmes, we await more detailed plans to ensure that the package truly addresses the needs of all Bermudians.”

Sandy De Silva, executive director of Family Centre, said the “expansion of mental health resources, substance abuse programmes, and trauma counselling services” aligned with the charity’s mission.

She said it dovetailed with Family Centre’s “continuum of care we provide to support the emotional and social wellbeing of children, teens, and families facing adversity in Bermuda”.

Ms De Silva highlighted Family Centre’s work to mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences, known to raise “the likelihood of mental health challenges, substance abuse and involvement in antisocial behaviour”.

“Addressing the root causes of trauma and providing resources for early intervention, particularly for youth who have multiple risk factors, can have a profound impact on reducing future potential incidents of violence and mental health issues in our community.”

She said Family Centre looked forward to collaborating with the Government and other community partners for those in need of support.

“The Premier’s focus on mental health and social investment aligns with Family Centre’s commitment to providing accessible, barrier-free support, ensuring that every child and family in Bermuda can thrive.”

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Premier's statement

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