Yesterday (April 29), four Government Ministers hosted a neighbourhood meeting for the residents of Mary Victoria Road, Alexandra Road and Cedar Park to engage with them and listen to their concerns about their community.

The meeting was hosted by the Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing & Municipalities, the Hon. Zane DeSilva, JP, MP, the Minister of Public Works & Environment the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, the Minister for the Cabinet Office & Digital Innovation, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, and the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP.

Held at the Prospect Primary School with a capacity audience in attendance, the meeting provided a platform for residents to share their feedback as well as to hear directly from the Ministers about the government’s plan to address any outstanding issues.

Minister DeSilva, who has the responsibility for the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) opened the meeting with a heartfelt address to the residents, saying, “This meeting marks an important beginning. Our Ministry was created to focus directly on issues facing neighbourhoods just like Alexandra Road, Mary Victoria Road, and Cedar Park, and I want you to know that you have my full commitment, and that of my Ministry, to listen, to work with you, and to deliver results.

“We plan to form a Working Group that will include residents, key technical staff from the Ministries of Housing and Municipalities, Public Works and Environment and the BHC. This is your community, and your voices must lead this work. Thank you for your patience, and for your passion for your neighbourhoods.”

Residents at last evening’s meeting raised a number of issues of concern which included:

• Street lighting
• Trash disposal and illegal dumping
• Water infrastructure and intermittent shut-offs
• Accessibility and implementing features like ramps as residents age
• Pathway erosion 
• Dogs and pets
• And ongoing issues with community safety, including loitering

Minister Adams who through his Ministry has committed to implementing a Water and Wastewater Master Plan Master Plan for the affected area added, “This meeting comes after weeks, months, or even years of dealing with the same unresolved issues. I have heard your complaints loud and clear. What many of you have experienced with your water service is simply not acceptable. It is not just a matter of inconvenience. It has disrupted your routines, undermined your confidence, and left many of you frustrated.”

Minister Adams went on to explain the steps being taken to address the infrastructure issues saying, “Beyond the immediate repairs, we are focused on a broader, long-term approach that involves the wholesale redevelopment of these systems, guided by the overall Water and Wastewater Master Plan. We are committed to fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.”

And Minister Lightbourne who has been actively working with area residents in her constituency to address their issues added, “This meeting demonstrated the kind of collaborative governance our people deserve, Ministers working together, listening with intention, and committing to practical action. As the MP for this area, I am especially grateful to the residents who shared their lived experiences and solutions. Together, as a government and as a community, we are moving forward with a shared commitment to build safer, stronger neighbourhoods that reflect the dignity of the people who live in them.”

Minister Rabain, shared his thoughts following the meeting, noting, “I have been working closely with the residents of this area to understand and address their concerns. Tonight’s meeting was a crucial step in ensuring that their voices are heard and that we, as Ministers, deliver solutions. I am committed to working with my fellow Ministerial colleagues to bring about the necessary changes and improvements. The residents deserve a safe, well-maintained neighborhood, and we will continue to engage with them to make this a reality.”

Residents left the meeting feeling hopeful and reassured that their voices were heard and that concrete steps would be taken to improve their neighborhood.