Cabinet is looking at a range of options put forward by a government steering committee to establish a secure forensic psychiatric unit in Bermuda.

Senator Jeff Baron revealed that the committee had been tasked with devising a business case for both long- and short-term solutions to the absence of a facility.

The Minister of National Security told The Royal Gazette that a “considerable amount of work” had been completed towards fulfilling the pledge made in the 2015 Throne Speech.

“We have been working on identifying a forensic psychiatric solution appropriate for Bermuda’s size and resources,” he said.

“The Ministries of Health and Seniors, in particular the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Legal Affairs and National Security formed a steering committee led by key technical officers from each ministry to devise a business case with options in the short and long term for Cabinet’s consideration.

“I am pleased to report that a considerable amount of work has been done and already Cabinet has had the benefit of a review of those options.

“One of the issues to be addressed is the resource-intensive nature of this kind of care, and Bermuda, like other jurisdictions, is facing this challenge against the background of competing priorities for government finances.”

The absence of a secure forensic psychiatric unit, which could treat prisoners as well as patients with mental health issues, was highlighted in Governor’s speech from the Throne.

Mr Baron added: “The work of the Committee is ongoing and the first task will be to identify an interim solution for those high-risk individuals in need of this care now. A more detailed analysis of the emerging options for a long-term solution will be presented to Cabinet early next year.”