An inquiry into the island’s “systemic land grabs” of the past will finally get its day of debate in the House of Assembly tomorrow.

Consideration of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Historical Land Losses, introduced to the House in December 2021, had been delayed by court matters.

After a ruling by Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House, the motion for its debate has been cleared.

David Burt, the Premier, said: “This is an important debate for Bermuda and one that has been a long time coming.

“The commission heard from Bermudians whose families have carried stories of land loss, dispossession and injustice for generations, and its report contains findings and recommendations which deserve the full consideration of the people’s elected representatives.

“The purpose of Friday’s debate is not simply for the Government to state its position. I want to hear the views of Honourable Members from across the House on the findings of the commission and, importantly, on its recommendations.

“The Government will indicate areas where we believe action should now be taken, but there are other significant matters on which I believe it is right to hear from Members before the Government determines its next steps.”

The Commission of Inquiry held 74 hearings and considered 53 claims.

Mr Burt urged residents to tune in to the broadcast of the debate — particularly “those families who participated in the commission’s hearings or who have a connection to the histories of Tucker’s Town, Southside in St David’s and other historic land-loss claims”.

Also expected for debate is a motion brought by Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, for the House to consider and approve the Plan to End Homelessness, which was tabled in March of this year.

Two pieces of housekeeping legislation are likely to go before MPs.

The Employment Amendment (No. 2) Act 2026 will give extra powers to Bermuda’s Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal.

It also introduces measures that prohibit an employer from taking disciplinary action against an employee while on leave or off duty — and extends the timeline for the delivery of tribunal decisions.

The Insurance Amendment Act 2026 will update the island’s regulations for the industry.

Additionally, Mr Burt is expected to update the House on changes to the Public Service Superannuation Fund, while Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, will speak on the affordable housing strategy — with a second statement on the Dr Cann Park II development.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, will address MPs on the island’s litigation guardian service.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, will speak on the Government’s summer employment programme 2026 in the context of the youth employment strategy.

Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, is to give a statement on “the tabling of the National Electricity Sector Policy 2026, the ministerial direction to the Regulatory Authority and the independent analysis of electricity cost drivers”.

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