As one year closes and another begins, we pause to reflect, and to renew our hope for what we know is possible. I enter this, my final year serving as your Premier, with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve Bermuda.

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the quiet but meaningful progress taking place across our Island. I have drawn inspiration from the growing number of Bermudians, young and old, stepping into training, educational, and employment opportunities across various sectors of our workforce. These small steps may not make headlines, but they point to a brighter future for Bermuda and reaffirm the importance of investing in our people.

We also know that many challenges remain. The cost of living continues to affect families across our Island, and meeting these pressures remains a priority. We are working every day to deliver on a more stable and affordable Bermuda, the future Bermudians voted for in February.

That is why our focus has been on building an economy that grows with people, investing in affordable housing, restoring our infrastructure, improving access to affordable healthcare, and supporting the community institutions that play vital roles in our everyday lives.

As we look to the year ahead, I remain hopeful. Hopeful because over the last eight years, I have seen Bermudians rise time and again to the challenges placed before us. My commitment to you is to continue serving with energy and focus right through my final day in office.

As you spend time with family and friends this New Year, I wish you and your loved ones happiness, good health, and every success in 2026.

Happy New Year, Bermuda.

•David Burt is Premier of Bermuda