The public works ministry has affirmed that plans to restore the Customs and Immigration Dock at Ordnance Island were “well under way” after concerns about the facility’s condition were flagged up by the Opposition.

Robert King, the Shadow Minister of National Security, said that the St George’s Dock had been offline since April 2024 — potentially hindering efforts to stem the flow of drugs and firearms into the country.

However, a government spokesman said that since structural issues with the dock had became known, engineering assessments and design consultations had taken place and plans were being developed to address the island’s needs.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: “Although the timeline for reconstruction has been impacted by the need for careful design and co-ordination, the public should be assured that Bermuda's border security remains intact.

“Customs officers have adapted to the constraints at Ordinance Island and continue to screen arriving vessels using established protocols.

“The Government recognises the strategic importance of this location and the work being undertaken will result in a modernised facility that strengthens our long-term maritime security.”

This month, Mr King put questions to Mr Weeks in the House of Assembly regarding the status of the docks.

In a subsequent statement, Mr King said: “Nearly a year after being made aware of this critical failure, the minister still has no timeline, no budget details and no plan for repairs. This is unacceptable.

“The negligence runs deeper. No warning signs or safety barriers have been installed to protect the public from this hazardous structure, creating a real risk of injury and a serious threat of civil liability.”

Mr King said repairing the dock should be a priority for national security, particularly given the prevalence of gun and drug-related offences on the island.

“Our customs and immigration officers continue to serve with unwavering professionalism and commitment, but we cannot expect them to safeguard Bermuda with broken infrastructure,” he added.

Mr King criticised the Government’s efforts to address national security concerns, stating that CCTV cameras were taken down in Loyal Hill during the election season over privacy concerns and later reinstated. He also said conditions at Westgate prison were deteriorating.

In response to the statement, a government spokesman said that since April 2024 a series of consultations and assessments had taken place including multiple site inspections, cost analyses and inter-agency co-ordination with customs and Bermuda Maritime Operations.

“Temporary safety measures, including removing loose timbers and installing a safety ladder, were completed in May to minimise risk to the public,” the spokesman said.

“The final design will allow for the docking of larger vessels, the accommodation of multiple berths and provide dedicated dinghy access on the inner face.

“The Corporation of St George leases the yachting facility dock in co-ordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Environment. Portions of the remaining dock area are leased to a private entity and are also used by the government ferry service.”

The spokesman said that despite space limitations, customs officers had “maintained an active presence” at the site and continued to carry out their duties.

“While the Ministry of Public Works and Environment is responsible for the construction of the facility, matters relating to the dock's operational use fall under the Ministry of National Security's remit,” the spokesman said.

He added that the ministry would release more information to the public once costing for the project was complete and a construction schedule had been confirmed.