David Burt revealed that planning would be the first government department to benefit from a new artificial intelligence hire appointed to increase efficiency.

Business leaders were keen to hear about efforts to cut red tape in the Department of Planning that could boost development in Bermuda.

It was one of the top trending questions in a live poll at the Budget Breakfast on Monday morning.

Arthur Wightman, territory leader for PwC Bermuda, the sponsor of the event, said that incorporating AI into the planning department was “a no-brainer”.

The Premier told the audience at the sold-out event at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club: “We have a new AI person hired in government and the first place he has actually been sent to is planning.

“He was sharing with me on Friday some of the stuff he is working on and he said that one of the biggest challenges they have is that there are so many things that are sent in that are incomplete.

“One of the first things, which is really low-hanging fruit, is trying to address that matter by helping persons and ensuring they can submit the correct information, and letting them know in advance.

“In addition to that, we went through further streamlining measures with the minister.”

Mr Burt referenced reporting by Ezra Klein, a columnist for The New York Times. “This is not just in Bermuda … he was talking about the work which has happened throughout the years and that we have just made things harder to do,” he added.

“Similar to what the Prime Minister in the UK [Sir Keir Starmer] likes to repeat often … we need builders and not blockers, and that is what we are putting through to the Department of Planning.

“We have to make sure that some of these regulations, which serve no other purpose, get out of the way. These are things that have built up over time.”

Mr Burt said that Crystal Caesar, the former Cabinet Office minister, had put in place some streamlining measures and that the work was being continued.

The Royal Gazetterecently reported on concerns that the construction industry is heading for a slump because of hold-ups in planning. Insiders said that new projects that were supposed to be starting were still awaiting approvals.

Last month, Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, who has oversight of the Department of Planning, acknowledged that the present system “is not meeting expectations” and promised an “action plan”.

These included stakeholder engagement sessions, industry collaboration and public feedback.

He also defended Department of Planning staff.

“They are hardworking public servants committed to fairness, justice and professionalism,” he said.

“Despite facing significant pressures and, at times, unwarranted criticism, they continue to serve with integrity, ensuring that all building operations comply with current codes and that planning policies are upheld to protect our community's welfare.”