Column: MP Zane DeSilva On Housing & More
[Opinion column written by MP Zane DeSilva]
To some the housing issue is “somebody else’s problem,” but to us, housing is about whether a senior can afford to stay in the home or neighbourhood they helped build. It’s about whether a young family can put down roots instead of bouncing from rental to rental, and it’s about whether every Bermudian feels secure enough to plan for the future. When housing becomes unaffordable, everything else; health, education, being productive at work gets harder.
The Progressive Labour Party believes that a decent, affordable home is foundational to a fairer Bermuda. We reject the idea that housing insecurity is simply the cost of doing business in a small island economy. Governments make choices and for us, the choice is to act with urgency, compassion, and responsibility so that Bermudians are not priced out of our own country.
That action is already underway. Through the Residential Building Programme, the Government is delivering new affordable homes across the island, including projects in Paget, St. George’s, and St. David’s, with numerous units coming online by mid- late 2026 and more in the pipeline. Modular housing is being used where appropriate, in order to speed up delivery without sacrificing quality. And for the first time, Bermuda has a long-term Affordable Housing Strategy that sets clear definitions, targets, and accountability.
The One Bermuda Alliance has, as they usually do, offered criticism with little solutions, all while ignoring their own record on housing. During their time in office, housing was completely ignored with no affordable housing units built. Their five years of inaction and neglect helped get us to the housing crisis our people face today. In comparison the PLP has renovated/built over 100 units since 2017.
While we will take on legitimate solutions, genuine compassion for Bermudians, and real concerns, what we will not do is be lectured to or distracted by an OBA that seems more interested in scoring political points than in the well-being of Bermudians. Our focus on increasing access to affordable housing is a key part of that vision.
Yet, as we focus on increasing affordable housing in our country for our people, we also understand community concerns. New housing must strengthen neighbourhoods, not disrupt them. That’s why we are committed to strong screening, strong management, community engagement, and firm action against anti-social behaviour. Affordable housing should mean safe, stable housing for residents and neighbours alike.
Finally, this is a moment that calls for open minds and compassion. Bermuda will need new housing ideas and new ways of thinking. We ask the public to meet this challenge with compassion, for seniors, for families, for Bermudians who are often struggling through no fault of their own.
If we keep our focus on people, stay grounded in fairness, and work together, we can build more than houses. We can build security, opportunity, and a Bermuda that works for everyone.
- Minister of Housing & Municipalities Zane DeSilva
So what will the cost of affordable housing units be? I don’t see that mentioned.
The cost of a plumber building a house in Tuckers Town will be the same per hour as the cost of the plumber, or any other trade, building the supposedly low cost house wherever that might be.
Maybe DeSilva thinks that construction trades are going to work for a whole lot less to make it low cost housing. Maybe he will do the excavating at less than cost.
Dream on.
“Maybe he will do the excavating at less than cost.”
I am not holding my breath!
Why do they keep pushing affordable housing when it is you all who make it impossible to own a house o day.
Could it be just to get voters,
Check mate. !
Are you guys getting close to the water’s edge again? It takes money to build housing it also takes a thriving economy which you do not have and most likely will not get for years to come,
we ae on the brink of W.W.111 why build something when the people cannot afford to live in it.
Are they any better off staying at home? Could it be
At least to build a nest egg. Takes years or is it to take trips away or other foolish enterprises.
Where did you all get that crack pot idea that Bermudians can’t wait for communal living because the want what you have. they do not have the income for it the cost of living here is unrealistic! and you know why, it is a lifestyle never promise the moon the country cannot reach.
YOu and I both know the exact day when Bermuda went into depression and who and what caused it.
Many taxpayers are leaving the rock with more to follow.
you all missed the boat with PUBLIC EDUCATION.
Minister DeSilva,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all that you have done for Bermudians throughout your political career.
I distinctly recall your role in helping to draft a Health Bill that expanded access to health care for all Bermudians. That legislation had a very personal impact on my family. In the final stages of my mother’s life, she required a live-in caregiver. While she had private insurance that covered this care for a defined period, she passed away before that benefit expired. It was a great relief to know that, had the private coverage ended, the Government’s Health Bill ensured continued support for a caregiver. That peace of mind meant a great deal to our family.
With respect to the goal of providing affordable housing, I fully appreciate that this is a difficult and politically sensitive issue. Concerns about “backyard impact” are understandable, and navigating them requires balance, transparency, and leadership.
I would like to share my recent experience and some related thoughts on affordable housing.
I recently visited Bermuda with my wife. I am Bermudian and return often to visit family and friends. We stayed at The Loren Hotel, and I must say that the service and overall “Bermudian” experience provided by the entire staff was truly first-class. Based on that experience, Bermuda has nothing to worry about with the Elbow Beach venture if it reflects the same standard. My thanks to Mr. King, the investor, Premier Burt, and all involved—including the UK’s backing—for helping to make this possible.
During our stay, I interacted with three Bermudians, and I observed a strong spirit of entrepreneurship that I deeply admire:
1. Housekeeping Staff Member
While preparing for dinner, we invited the housekeeper in for turndown service. In conversation, she shared that she works full-time with the Bermuda Regiment, plays rugby, and takes on evening shifts as supplemental income. She currently lives at home but has a clear goal of achieving affordable, independent living, with the long-term aspiration of owning her own home.
Her ambition, work ethic, and ability to balance employment and sport make her an ideal candidate for a “Stepping Stones” style affordable rental program—one that provides stability for a defined period (for example, five years) and then transitions participants toward traditional homeownership.
2. Taxi Driver (Computer Science Background)
This individual studied computer science and drives a taxi as an additional job to save toward renting or purchasing an affordable home.
3. Taxi Driver and Entrepreneur
This individual studied hospitality at Florida International University and now owns a tourist car rental business. He drives a taxi to supplement his income while building his entrepreneurial venture. He currently lives in St. David’s and owns a home, which he inherited.
These examples reflect the spirit of the traditional Bermudian—hardworking, ambitious, and committed to self-improvement. They are doing their part, and for that reason, I admire the Government’s efforts, and particularly your leadership, in pursuing solutions around affordable housing.
In that same spirit, I would like to share a practical concept that I am personally prepared to support. I own a property in Warwick on Spice Hill Road, consisting of approximately 2.6 acres, with a current fair market value of approximately $850,000. I believe this property could serve as a pilot “Stepping Stone” affordable housing initiative.
The concept would provide affordable rental housing with a defined five-year tenancy, intentionally designed to transition tenants into traditional homeownership in Bermuda. By way of example, a two-bedroom unit could be offered at an affordable rental rate of approximately $2,500 per month (or another defined affordable rate), with an additional $1,000 per month paid into an escrow account. This escrow would be administered through the Bermuda Housing Corporation, in conjunction with an investment manager, and earmarked specifically for the tenant’s down payment on a future home purchase, ideally in year four or five of the tenancy.
The intent is to promote disciplined savings, housing stability, and a clear, structured pathway to ownership, bridging the gap between renting and owning while encouraging responsibility and long-term commitment.
To make such a private–public pilot viable, consideration would be required in the following areas:
A. Access to favorable construction financing secured by the property, with BHC participation or backing
B. Tariff waivers similar to those offered to hotel developments (e.g., Gencom Group)
C. Zoning relief, as the property has existing development approvals, though density restrictions relative to its size appear unduly limiting
D. Skilled labor access and limited work-permit easements, consistent with those granted to hotel projects
E. BHC collaboration to identify approved vendors and modular construction systems that meet Bermuda standards and preserve Bermuda’s architectural character
F. BHC administration of rent collection, escrow management, and property upkeep and repairs
These are my personal experiences, actions, and reflections. I would welcome any thoughts, refinements, or opportunities to discuss this concept further or to share it more broadly.
Respectfully,
David R. Smith, CPA
My man Zaney! What have you been up to for the last, oh, three years?
Under deep cover my man, rooting out all the hanky panky on those cruise ships
Zanea all you get are short answers which gets you sarcasm and criticism most of the House of A ae going in different directions with unworkable ideals. Guess why! you bite off more than you can chew.
Is it the House of A does not have a plan to develop or encourage much needed National income?
Bermuda is not a game of chance!
The Gov just competes with local trade.
“You cannot take the shirt off a naked man”.
What you offer is all a massive deviation from reality, messing with useless short-term temp housing.
All of you on the hill are being made a big fat public joke!
Zane, you and many of us never had help we worked hard and got on with it.
They want instant gratification!
Stop ducking the main issue, you know it is the national income.
It is the economy? it is breeding to death.?
Taxation is a wonderful thing, till all the taxpayer money runs out!
There is a massive imbalance in-between the cost of living and public income,
The working public always get the short end of the stick Aa a result big business cannot afford to pay staff more money, as a final result, the trade is not there or lost.
The public are now making self-concessions with spending.
The greater part of the supporting population also left the island along with that their business.
The insurance business hit the economy, which jumped the cost of living up by 10 %. over night.
We call that ” A Morning Surprise”.
Tho country can only survive only if inflation changes by 1% + or – becomes or is presumed livable.
People are now living off retirement savings.
Have you noticed that many businesses are closing down putting many people out of work?
Both pieties are getting shot in the foot by one another.
As a result, people think of leave the island or just go!
I do not disagree, PAC MAN. But this is the “fairer Bermuda” that our PLP Government promised us and which Zane DeSilva refers to in his opinion column.
HOUSING.
When dealing with anything deemed to be affordable it is not words on paper making wild promises, this is where,
Real facts go on the table.
Facts relate to contract construction.
Contracts pricing appears to be the magic number $??? per square foot or being cost per square foot of a basic home.
This has been carefully omitted by recent reports say for example to build by standard Bermuda construction.
***** Bermuda is fending Bermuda slate to be in short supply, however, there are two roof alternatives. *****
Apparently, the demise of the modular housing ended when the cost of such exceeded that of a Standard Bermuda home. by the way, Standard Bermuda Construction provided local employment and gave Bermudians a stater home to be proud of.
Apparently, the ministry of housing has no real numbers to relate too.
Just build till the money runs out.
B.H.C could account for what 100 homes would cost be for the projects started which included legal.
Standard Construction was a word used to relate to any building approved by the D.A.B.
in order to bit with in the Bermuda pubioc ability to make repayments.
To accomplish the mission of affordability some 300 homes costs built at that time we used in the calculations,
>>>>> Standard construction means any b Bermuda homeowner could repair his own home to save money<<<<<<
Much of the problem, PAC MAN, is that “affordable” is subjective.
When I was younger and newly wed, we rode our bike everywhere. We did not get a car until a child was on the way. We lived moderately and saved our pennies. We did not go abroad 4 or 5 times each year for a holiday.
Few people live that way anymore.
Joe Bloggs
I grew up the same way you did however we were broke, which we told my father at our reception, who said GOOD! you have nothing to fight over, so were things then at least we had one another, we both worked tirelessly the exception we had no children because we could not afford them much less try to educate them in later years.
h Hr sister passed away that was unfortunate but nevertheless real.
at a young age and my younger brother has g Ane.
who wants children today not me it cost money to cater to their wants or who in their right mind need them even wanted them, now again in in their right mind need the anxiety realize What some children have become of themselves.
n N less than I will say a useless expense or a better way to say it, there is no future here these days for young people as it is costing the country millions of tax money.
Here this, also it is all being their own fault in their dormant years for not wanting a reasonable education, oh! B.T.W. football is the latest workload.
They all want to be bank managers.
Also, they have cell phones, computers with adding machines no less, and a bike and ,ride with hot much common sense.
Is this a trickle up/down effect? Did you know i worked in a bank weekdays and up om a roof weekends nailing. rafters.
Joe Bloggs
Greetings.
You can ask 100 people the same question and you will get back 100 different answers.
it is their opinion. we have our opinions
i am the man in the street
you are the man with the facts
WE may disagree at times only to later agree that is reality.
i am long winded, i just went 90 the other day time is getting close.
Can you guess where my last job was?
i was in the thick of it.
i have been in all forms of construction all my life.
and loved it. at least it paid the bills.
Bur facts are facts.t Then again, fracks can be yesterday’s monumental errors.
Are facts being wolves in sheep’s clothing?
i was born here, so I have more than a lot to lose, that is heart breaker.
Zane is OK! to give his opinions I think he can only say what they want to tell him, that is the way with most managers. wrong and right are only inches apart and so we say what we think and we know what i is be right and about reality. errors take time we do not have to correct.
Is there no shame. Easy as easy to say, all it takes is to just pass the Progressive buck.
We can live half a lifestyle which is where Bermuda is now. Bermuda can turn many corners however; countries errors never will go away or be forgotten.
Can we remember the day when Bermuda lifestyle was called as to be not very responsible.
.
Bermuda is certainly a very expensive place to live. Off shore business (insurance) has its benefits as well as its deficits. The primary down side is the impact it has on infrastructure as a result of need for such high skilled professionals.
The reinsurance business is no doubt an international envy, this is no doubt because of Premier Burt, who I know dueled as the Minister of Finance, the insurance commission, and many others.
A funding source should be considered form this source; considered charging a tax by way of the payroll levy that defines compensation as “payroll plus rents paid by offshore companies on their behalf. These funds could be segregated and put in an escrow type “match” fund noted in my prior post where the tenant escrows $1000 for a future home purchase whilst living in an affordable home. This addition to the escrow would by used to “match/vest after 5 years year. So without income growth gains in 5 years = $100,000 in an account for a traditional Bermuda home payment.
Another way to raise this is be just charging an impact fee per non Bermudian employee
There may be a loss of some offshore insurance business; but I believe the reputation and strict insurance reserves requirements compared to other jurisdictions puts Bermuda as a AAA rate and would mitigate this loss of business. If there is a loss of business it can also receive the infrastructure demand on rents food etc.
To be sure I am appreciative of offshore insurance business but the simply needs to be some balance.
The recent hotel developments ie taxi and other business should help Bermudians as well
Respectfully
David R Smith, CPA
“The reinsurance business is no doubt an international envy, this is no doubt because of Premier Burt”
No. Bermuda’s insurance industry was developed before Premier Burt was born.
“These funds could be segregated and put in an escrow type “match” fund”
You clearly have no idea what has happened with Bermuda’s Sinking Fund.
Premier Burt has been a steward of the reinsurance business, I am not attempting to exclude other MP s going many years such as my Grandfather.
A escrow or some type of fund that would provide rewards for those who chose to own would provide incentives that at this time are not achievable
It is not realistic to have an offshore pay the rent for an expat and not include it in their tax payroll or other base; and ask a Bermudian to compete for the same tenancy, even if the job / profession/ skills are exactly the same.
I was an example of this 42 years ago when I chose to move.