Upgrading the House

Bermuda's 191-year-old Sessions House needs large-scale repair work that means Parliament will have to move to another location_i

"During the recent discussions on the salary increases for MPs, we realised that the Sessions House does not have all the facilities required in a modern parliament," said Works and Engineering Minister David Burch.

"If we are to attract more of Bermuda's best and brightest into politics, it is essential that we are able to offer perks comparable to those in the private sector. As such we will be adding a AAA Five Diamond canteen; a fully-equipped gym with modern shower facilities; a spa; four tennis courts; and a rooftop terrace with swimming pool for the use of members."

"This is likely to be a large, multi-year project with significant costs that will also require the building to be vacated," said Lt. Col. Burch. "While the work is being done Parliament will relocate to Mickey's down on Elbow Beach. Debating the Auditor General's latest report will be much more enjoyable with a strawberry daiquiri in hand, and if Dale needs to miss a vote he can go for a swim and claim he got caught in a rip instead of having to lock himself in the bathroom."