Column: DeSilva On Housing, St. David’s & More
[Opinion column written by Minister Zane DeSilva]
The One Bermuda Alliance recently argued that St. David’s needs more than additional housing. Few people would disagree.
St. David’s deserves thriving local businesses, safe and attractive public spaces, strong infrastructure, support for seniors, opportunities for young people and a vision for the future that preserves the unique character of the community while creating opportunities for the next generation.
It also deserves housing.
For too many Bermudians, finding a suitable and affordable home has become one of the greatest challenges they face. Young couples are delaying plans for the future because they cannot find housing they can afford. Seniors worry about rising rents and the increasing cost of living. Parents wonder whether their children will be able to build their lives in Bermuda or whether they will be forced to look elsewhere.
That’s why the PLP has made addressing Bermuda’s housing shortage a priority.
A community cannot thrive if its people cannot afford to live there.
When young Bermudians can afford to live in the communities where they grew up, communities remain strong. When seniors can remain close to family and support networks, communities remain strong. When vacant or underutilized land is transformed into homes for Bermudians, communities remain strong.
The reality is that Bermuda’s housing challenges did not develop overnight, and they will not be solved overnight. But unlike under the OBA when no new public housing stock was brought online, today homes are being built, renovated and returned to use because Bermudian families need action, not endless discussion.
For years, Bermuda’s housing shortage grew worse under the OBA and they chose to do nothing about it. They ignored families struggling to find affordable homes. They ignored young Bermudians who found themselves increasingly priced out of the market.
Bermudian families cannot afford to wait before action is taken on housing.
St. David’s residents are right to expect continued investment in infrastructure, community amenities, recreational spaces, economic opportunities and services that improve quality of life. They are right to expect progress on the broader goals identified by the community itself. Housing is also a part of building stronger communities.
St. David’s deserves both housing and community development. Bermudians deserve both action and vision. And they deserve a government that understands that building stronger communities means delivering both.
- Zane DeSilva, Minister of Housing & Municipalities
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