Opposition Leader Ben Smith will bring a motion before the House of Assembly on 6 November to establish a bipartisan committee tasked with charting the next steps in addressing historic land loss across Bermuda. The motion follows a letter Smith sent to the Speaker after the recent debate on the Commission of Inquiry into Historic Land Losses, a report that highlighted the island’s ongoing threat of erosion and submergence.

Bermuda’s coastline has been a subject of concern for decades, with several low‑lying areas already experiencing significant land loss. The Commission’s findings call for a coordinated response that involves multiple government departments, local NGOs and community groups. Smith’s proposal aims to bring together members from all parties to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

If passed, the committee would review the Commission’s recommendations, set priorities for mitigation and adaptation measures, and report back to the Assembly within a specified timeframe. Smith emphasised that a bipartisan effort would help secure the long‑term sustainability of Bermuda’s unique maritime environment and protect the heritage of communities that have lived along the shore for generations.

The motion is expected to spark a debate on how best to allocate resources for coastal protection, including potential investment in sea‑defence infrastructure and land‑use planning reforms. The Assembly’s decision will shape the island’s resilience strategy for years to come.