Government

There were 8302 test results received by the Ministry of Health since the last update, and five were positive for COVID-19, giving a test positivity rate of 0.06%. 

These results are from testing done on:

§  Thursday, July 15: 1 positive out of 2769 results (0.04% positivity)

§  Friday, July 16: 1 positive out of 1862 results (0.05% positivity)

§  Saturday, July 17: 2 positive out of 1869 results (0.11% positivity)

All 5 of the new cases are classified as imported with details as follows:

In a gesture of appreciation, the Bermuda Post Office (BPO) is paying tribute to all essential workers who have helped during the COVID-19 pandemic by repurposing of one of its existing stamps.

The BPO has recently revised the 50 cent shell stamp and released it as a special envelope.

The stamp which depicts a Bermuda cone shell has been overprinted with the title: “Honouring All Essential Workers”.

The envelope features the Star of Life used by many countries around the world to represent emergency and medical services.

~ Featured Event Friday July 23 ~  

The Department of Culture is reminding the public about a series of events being held in the lead up to the Emancipation, Mary Prince and Cup Match Holiday. 

~ Series of Webinars planned for small and medium sized businesses ~

As online activity becomes more prevalent both locally and globally, it’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to protect their systems against cyber-threats.

To assist business owners, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), the Department of Economic Development and the Cybersecurity Governance Board have announced that they will host a series of free webinars series to educate businesses about the importance of cybersecurity. 

The Department of Energy has published a new survey today, the ‘Solar Energy Survey’, and are seeking responses from the public.

The online survey, www.bit.ly/solar_energy_survey can be completed in about five to seven minutes, at leisure on any device by anyone 18 and older. Only one response is needed per household. 

The purpose of the survey is to gather important information about the adoption of solar energy in Bermuda.

~ Public advised that works will take place this weekend ~
As Bermuda progresses through hurricane season 2021, the Ministry of Public Works is taking the opportunity to highlight a joint initiative currently underway by members of the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has become aware of concern within the veterinary community of early signs of a potential outbreak of a diarrheal disease amongst young unvaccinated dogs on the Island. 

At least three veterinary practices have seen seemingly unrelated cases of that which has been diagnosed as canine parvovirus. The diagnoses were based on clinical signs and laboratory test results. 

There were 6171 test results received by the Ministry of Health since the last update, and five were positive for coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.1%. 

These results are from testing done on:

•        Monday, July 12: 2 positive out of 1956 results (0.1% positivity)

•        Tuesday, July 13: 2 positive out of 2157 results (0.1% positivity)

•        Wednesday, July 14: 1 positive out of 2058 results (0.05% positivity)

Four of the new cases are classified as imported with details as follows:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide an update on Financial Support provided to Bermuda businesses through the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) since the declaration of the global pandemic.

Mr. Speaker,

I am pleased today to submit to this Honourable House the annual report of the Human Rights Commission for the year ending 31st December 2020.

Mr. Speaker,

The Commission has a statutory remit to protect and promote human rights under the Human Rights Act, 1981. The Commission’s mandate is to both educate and promote the principles of non-discrimination and equality and to investigate and endeavour to settle allegations of discrimination.

Mr. Speaker, The Human Rights Commission is required to: 

Mr. Speaker and the Honourable Members of the House, I rise today to inform you that the Government intends to extend the five (5) year limitation for a payment of an award to abled-bodied, unemployed recipients of Financial Assistance for an additional two years by amending Section 6A of the Financial Assistant Regulations 2004 (The “Regulations”). The amendment will also make this change retroactive, effective from April 1, 2021, in order to validate payments made since the beginning of the 2021/22 fiscal year. 

Mr. Speaker,

Good Morning, Mr. Speaker.

I am pleased to provide another update on the Short Term Stimulus Programme that was launched on December 17th, 2020 to a maximum value of BMD $13,385,000 where small to medium sized contractors were invited to participate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to update this Honourable House on the work of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) Committee known as the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“the Inclusive Framework on BEPS” or simply “the Inclusive Framework”).

Mr. Speaker, on 27th June 2021, the fast ferry Resolute returned to Bermuda after an extensive 9-month refit project at Gladding-Hearn shipyard in Boston, the original builders, at the cost of 2 million dollars. This refit will extend the vessels life span by some 12 years.

This weekend’s Eastern Counties Match will take place at Sea Breeze Oval and will be a SafeKey event.

Anyone wishing to attend must be in possession of a valid SafeKey and a valid ID which will be checked to ensure the SafeKey is being used by the correct person.

Those who need to be tested to receive a SafeKey, and have not done so already, can get a coronavirus test tomorrow, 16 July, at the Clocktower Mall in Dockyard or at Bull’s Head Car Park, Hamilton from 10am-3pm.  

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the media:

Thank you for being here today as we celebrate the opening of the new Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory. I’m joined at this afternoon’s press conference by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, Minister of Public Works, the Hon. David Burch and MDL Director and Government’s Scientific Advisor, Dr. Carika Weldon.

Good Afternoon,

I am pleased to be joined by the Premier, the Honourable E. David Burt, Minister of Health, Honourable Kim Wilson, my Warwick colleagues Minister Lawrence Scott and MP Neville Tyrrell and Dr. Carika Weldon and members of the Bermuda Government Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the media. Thank you for your time today.

This afternoon I am pleased to be joined by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Curtis Dickinson, Mr. Jeremy Allaire – Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle; Mr. Dante Disparte – Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy and Ms. Elisabeth Carpenter – Chief Operating Officer.

All of whom will address you today.

Contrary to recent social media posts, the Ministry of Health can confirm the following related to Mr. Antonio Belvedere and the process that occurred in completing and submitting his Travel Authorisation (TA).

He made an application for a TA that was initially rejected due to no vaccination certificate or proof of hotel payment/exemption being supplied. 

The Department of Energy and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) Invites Local Middle and High School Students and Teachers to Virtually Tour NASA and Attend the Northrop Grumman (NG-16) Education Launch Forum

The Department of Energy and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) invites all local middle and high school students and teachers to participate in two exciting FREE virtual events.

Mr. Belvedere met the requirements of the Quarantine (COVID-19) (No. 3) Amendment (No. 2) Order 2021, when he arrived in Bermuda today. He arrived with an approved Bermuda COVID-19 Travel Authorisation form, fell within an exempted category (medically vulnerable) as certified by a licensed physician or psychologist.