News Release: Hamilton, Bermuda – The Bermuda Housing Trust (BHT) held its annual Tea on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at St Paul’s Church Hall in Paget, to celebrate the contributions their 196 tenants have made over the years to Bermuda.
Joining the celebration and sharing a few words of welcome and appreciation with participants were Senator Ianthia Simmons–Wade Junior Minister of Health and for Cabinet, Dr Claudette Fleming from AGE Concern, and Senator Vance Campbell JP, Junior Minister of Public Works and for Finance (who is also Deputy Chair of BHT).
Public Works Minister Lieutenant Colonel David Burch, was unable to attend unfortunately as he had unexpected travel that day and his Ministry was well represented by his executive assistant Ms Claudelle Richardson and his political aide Ms Trina Bean who attended with their respective mothers.
Senator Vance Campbell, reminded those in attendance of the Minister’s keen interest in providing for our Seniors. He also reinforced Government’s commitment to Seniors.
“You can rest assured that Seniors are a priority of this Government,” he said.
“Our efforts to lower the cost of health care are ongoing and we continue to work with the Bermuda Housing Trust to deliver affordable housing for Seniors.
“We stand proudly on your shoulders and are committed to honouring your years of service to Bermuda.”
Seniors were graciously entertained throughout the afternoon by Bermudian icon Mr Gene Steede (who is also a BHT tenant), Songwriter Ms Raven Baksh , Performer Mr Mike Hinds, Poet Vernette Dorian and Mime Troupe- Hermine’s Faith. They shared jokes, their talent and the joy of a community celebrating together.
Chairman, John Barritt stated: “It was a ‘tea-riffic’ afternoon and warmed all hearts on what was otherwise another cool Bermudaful winter day! Having the opportunity to honour our Seniors and treat them to an afternoon of fellowship, food and entertainment is something we look forward to every year and I thank all those involved in making this so successful. The greatest service the Trust can provide to Bermuda’s seniors in need, is access to quality, safe, affordable housing.
Gene Steede

“We are passionate about this. Affordable housing offers the most positive impact on our seniors’ quality of life and eases the burden placed on families who are supporting senior family members.”

Funding for the Tea was provided by corporate donor AXA-XL and Butterfield and Vallis provided the food. Raffle prizes were donated by Miles Market, The Marketplace and BHT staff Ms Knight and Ms Smith. Music and sound system was provided by volunteer Mr Donavon Furbert of MVM with AXA-XL employees Ms Moira Lindo and Ms Lucy Monkman rolling up their sleeves and helping serve throughout the Tea.

We are thankful to all our volunteers, staff, vendors and sponsors who make this annual celebration possible.
The Bermuda Housing Trust is a non-profit charitable organisation serving our most vulnerable seniors through a housing programme for seniors capable of independent living.
We were established and are governed by our own public statute through a 1965 Act of Parliament and are required nor able to register as a charity under the Charities Act.
The Act enables the Trust to undertake the solicitation of funding, to fundraise and accept donations and gifts (including land) solely for the purpose of providing shelter and housing for seniors in need.
Raven Baksh

The board consists of a Chairman, Deputy Chairman and seven other Trustees who manage the Trust’s five senior residential properties, offering 181 units and housing 196 seniors.

The Trust does not rely on any direct funding from Government but appreciates and welcomes their support for seniors in need with rent subsidies offered the Department of Financial Aid. Over the years the BHT has sought to be self-funding and meet its expenses through rents and where possible, through donations. Through collaboration, along with the support of the private and corporate community, BHT will continue to be a leading resource in affordable, independent living for seniors.

It isn’t just rental accommodation that the Trust seeks to provide but rather communities that consist of rental units that our tenants can call home.
The Trust continues to review the opportunity to provide more homes so that we can meet the growing need. All of the Trust’s residences remain fully occupied with a waiting list. It is hoped that BHT, with continued support, will soon be able to develop additional housing and meet the challenge of an even-growing number of baby boomers in need of affordable housing living options once they retire.
For more information on BHT and the seniors we serve can be found on our website – www.housingtrust.bm
  • Feature Photos Supplied