The structure of Bermuda’s municipalities could change drastically as the Government considers two options to ensure growth and development.

The Corporation of Hamilton and St George’s could be changed to quangos which would give the Government increased oversight of key initiatives.

Or the corporations could be completely dissolved — repealing the Municipalities Act and integrating functions into the Government’s administrative structure.

The two proposals were put forward following public consultation in 2018 on the future of the municipalities.

An Act was passed in Parliament last March to defer municipal elections for a year until May 2019, to allow the Government time to hold consultations to determine appropriate methods to strengthen and modernise governance of the municipalities.

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, said the City of Hamilton and the historic and cultural town of St George’s were critical to the economic health and wealth of Bermuda.

Mr Roban said: “Both must be rejuvenated into becoming vibrant entities in order to attract more visitors and greater investment opportunities for our island and its people. At present, both entities have crumbling infrastructure and empty buildings that do not reflect a thriving city and town that is attractive to both visitors and investors.”

He said the municipalities were at mainly responsible for infrastructure.

But Mr Roban said the corporations did not have “the financial and other means to achieve and sustain the vision to rejuvenate the cities.”

He said: “It is also evident that central Government has greater access to the resources and expertise needed to achieve the vision.”

The Government stated that its vision for Hamilton was to make it a “smart city” with a thriving residential centre, and an entertainment hub with distinct districts to touch all aspects of city life, including a tourism interface.

The development of a multifaceted waterfront, increased use of vacant office space, effective traffic management and the development of various industries are expected to help in achieving this vision.

For St George’s, the Government envisioned a megayacht port and marina with enhanced infrastructure, amenities and activities with a management plan for the world heritage site and a sustainable year-round industry.

A policy document has been created for public consideration, and consultation will run from tomorrow to February 22.

The document can be viewed at forum.gov.bm.