City, OBA & Minister On Municipalities Bill
The Corporation of Hamilton, OBA and Minister have all released statements following Senate’s decision to reject the Municipalities Bill.
City’s Statement
A spokesperson said, “The Corporation of Hamilton today welcomed the Senate’s decision to reject the Municipalities Bill, describing the outcome as an important affirmation of democratic process and local representation.
“Mayor Charles Gosling thanked the Opposition and Independent Senators for their support of the municipalities and their careful consideration of the issues at hand.”
Mayor Gosling said, “This has been a long and, at times, frustrating process. For years, the Corporation has had to defend its role, its structure, and the democratic rights of those it represents, when our focus should be on delivering for the City. “It is important to remember that the current municipal framework was established through legislation passed by Government. The Corporation operates within that framework; we did not create it.”
While encouraged by today’s result, the Mayor acknowledged that the matter is not fully resolved and stated that the Corporation remains firmly of the view that any changes impacting representation and voting rights must be carefully considered and grounded in fairness, transparency, and democratic principle.
The Mayor also addressed a number of recent statements made in both the House and the Senate, which he said have mischaracterised the Corporation’s actions and the current municipal framework.
“As I stated over the weekend, comments suggesting that the City acted in bad faith in relation to the national sewerage system are simply incorrect. The Corporation was engaged as part of a consultation process and, as expected, provided balanced, professional input, highlighting both the benefits and the significant cost implications for taxpayers.”
He further rejected assertions made in the Senate regarding voting within municipal elections, stating: “It is entirely inaccurate for the Attorney General to suggest today in the Senate that individuals can cast multiple votes in a single election. The legislation is clear: where a person may qualify in more than one category, they must choose how they wish to vote. In all cases, an individual is limited to a single vote. These comments raise serious concern, as they suggest a major misunderstanding of the very legislation being proposed for amendment. It is important that any discussion of reform is grounded in a clear and accurate understanding of how the current system operates.
“In fact, measures have already been taken to strengthen the integrity of municipal voting. Amendments introduced in 2015, following consultation with the Government of the day, and based on recommendations I put forward as a private citizen, closed potential gaps by ensuring that multiple companies under a single ownership group could not be used to generate additional votes.
“There is no mechanism for double voting within the current system, and to suggest otherwise misrepresents both the legislation and the safeguards that are already in place.”
Mayor Gosling emphasized that the legislation, as proposed, raised serious concerns about democratic participation, saying: “Any move to limit who can vote, or who can stand to serve on Council, is a direct erosion of democratic rights. The strength of the City has always come from allowing residents and ratepayers to choose who they believe is best suited to represent them. Not from narrowing that field through imposed criteria. We do not impose restrictive criteria on who may serve in Parliament or the Senate beyond being properly registered and eligible under the law. Democracy relies on the right of individuals to put themselves forward, and for the public to decide who is best suited to represent them. Introducing additional barriers, whether based on profession, background, or perceived qualifications, moves us in the wrong direction and undermines the very principles we are seeking to uphold.”
Reflecting on the broader significance of the decision, the Mayor added: “Democracy is not theoretical; it is lived through participation, representation, and choice. Today’s result reinforces that those principles still matter and must continue to be protected. Municipal elections are now due to be held in May and I encourage all eligible residents and businesses within the City to ensure they are registered. We strongly encourage everyone to register and take part in the upcoming election.”
A spokesperson added, “The Corporation of Hamilton remains committed to working constructively with all partners while continuing to advocate for fair, transparent, and democratic governance.”
OBA’s Statement
Opposition Senate Leader Victoria Cunningham said, “This afternoon in the Senate, we defeated a Bill that would have abolished municipal elections in Bermuda and replaced them with ministerial appointments. With the support of the Independent Senators, the Senate stood up for a simple principle that local democracy matters.
“For more than a century, the people and businesses of Hamilton and St. George’s have chosen their own representatives. This Bill would have ended that by removing the public’s right to vote and replacing accountability to the people with accountability to a Minister.
“This wasn’t a minor administrative change. It was a fundamental shift in how local government works in Bermuda. The Bill would have allowed the Minister to appoint the Mayor, appoint four Councillors, appoint the Selection Committee, and ultimately influence the entire composition of the Corporation. That is centralisation, not reform.
“Around the world, cities are gaining more autonomy, not less. Strong communities are built on local knowledge, local accountability, and local decision‑making. Bermuda should not move in the opposite direction.
“Today’s vote sends a clear message: Democracy is not an inconvenience, and the right to choose who governs your city should not be taken away.
Shadow Municipalities Minister Michael Fahy said, “The defeat in the Senate today of the Government’s proposed amendments to the Municipalities Act 1923 removing the right of ratepayers and residents of the Corporations to vote means the Government should go back to the drawing board and listen to the concerns of residents and municipal ratepayers alike.
“There is room for compromise, perhaps with some members of the Corporations appointed by way of a selection committee and others elected under the existing system with directly elected mayors.
“We urge the Minister to engage in further consultation with the community so that a compromise can be found. We stand ready to engage in such a process for the benefit of the City of Hamilton, the Town of St. George’s and the people of Bermuda.”
Minister of Housing and Municipalities Zane DeSilva’s Statement
The Minister said, “The Government acknowledges the Senate’s decision to reject the Municipalities Reform Act 2026, legislation aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in municipal governance.
“We respect the role of the Senate within our parliamentary democracy. At the same time, the need to reform Bermuda’s municipal system remains clear.
“The legislation was brought forward to address long standing issues.. As municipal bodies are responsible for delivering important services and managing key public assets they must operate in a way that is accountable, effective, and aligned with the needs of the country as a whole.
“This reform was intended to modernise how municipalities function strengthening oversight, improving accountability, and ensuring more consistent delivery for residents and businesses. As with many public bodies, we believe that appointed boards can provide the expertise, accountability, and alignment needed to deliver effectively.
“Today’s decision delays reform, but it does not remove the need for it. The question is not whether change is required, but how long Bermuda can afford to wait.
“The Government will now determine the next steps to ensure that meaningful municipal reform is still delivered, including further engagement and consideration of the available legislative options.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring that Bermuda’s public institutions are modern, accountable, and capable of delivering for the entire country.”
