MP Hayward Concerned About BELCO Emissions
[Updated] “As the elected representative for the people of Pembroke Central, I am deeply concerned by the ongoing environmental disturbances affecting our community, particularly those stemming from emissions and soot deposits believed to be originating from BELCO operations,” MP Jason Hayward said.
Minister Hayward said, “On the dates of July 20, 21 and 22, 2025, residents reported a significant accumulation of soot on their properties, this is in addition to reported incidents in June. These recurring incidents are not only disruptive but also distressing, as they compromise the cleanliness of homes and the well-being of families.
“I stand in solidarity with the residents who have voiced their frustrations and urge BELCO to accelerate the implementation of a long-term solution that eliminates these harmful emissions. The health and safety of our community must be prioritized without delay.
“Furthermore, I call on BELCO to:
- “Engage more transparently and frequently with affected residents, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.
- “Restore damaged property and provide support for cleaning efforts where soot accumulation has occurred.
- “Guarantee access to clean drinking water and take proactive steps to prevent any contamination risks.
“Environmental justice is not optional—it is a fundamental right. I will continue to advocate for accountability and action, and I encourage all residents to remain vocal and vigilant, so that we ensure our community remains a safe and healthy place to live.”
Update Aug 5, 5:44pm: BELCO’s Managing Director, Nadir Wade said: “Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited [“BELCO”] has been serving Bermuda reliably for over 119 years and continues to support approximately 36,000 customers island wide.
“As Bermuda’s electricity provider, we recognise that our operations may impact the lives of residents living next to land that is zoned for industrial operations. In July BELCO was notified that 15 homes experienced impacts related to emissions. We responded swiftly to mitigate those impacted customers including painting roofs, washing cars, and power-washing properties. We’ve been working over the past several years to balance providing Bermuda with reliable electricity production while being better neighbours. The concerns of our immediate neigbours are understandable, and we continue to take them very seriously.
“Since the commissioning of the North Power Station, we have actively communicated with nearby residents, including the Bermuda Clean Air Coalition. We engage in regular walkabouts and direct meetings, including participating twice in Constituency 17’s Saturday morning clinics to discuss residents’ concerns, and send letters to the community as recently as last week. We are committed to transparency and responsiveness and want our neighbours to know that remediation efforts are in place and ongoing.
“Bermuda’s long‑term energy strategy contemplates electricity production from alternative fuel sources as a transition away from Bermuda’s reliance on heavy fuel oil to produce electricity on island. Any transition to an alternative fuel source would aim to reduce emissions and soot fallout.
“Our phased mitigation efforts—which include technical upgrades to engines, odour control enhancements, filtration improvements, and operational adjustments—have resulted in significant reductions in fallout and odour incidents. These efforts are ongoing and are being optimised continuously.
“BELCO’s management and Occupational Health, Safety & Environment [OHSE] teams engage in open dialogue with neighbours and are responsive to their concerns. The Company also remediates any impacts on neighbouring properties as quickly as possible.
“Detailed information and progress updates are accessible via our website. We will continue to listen, take action to improve our operations and mitigate any impacts.
“If any property owner believes they have been impacted by BELCO operations, they should contact the OHSE team by visiting the website belco.bm or calling 295-5111.”
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“I stand in solidarity with the residents who have voiced their frustrations and urge BELCO to accelerate the implementation of a long-term solution that eliminates these harmful emissions. The health and safety of our community must be prioritized without delay.”
Nice words, Minister. But what are you going to do about it? Or is Belco immune from action because its president is Hon. Wayne M. Caines?
“Environmental justice is not optional—it is a fundamental right. I will continue to advocate for accountability and action, and I encourage all residents to remain vocal and vigilant, so that we ensure our community remains a safe and healthy place to live.”
And so, specifically what can you do? What will you do? To whom will you ‘advocate’? And what form will that advocacy take? Will you take the matter to court to have it resolved appropriately?