Government

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, this evening stated, “If we are to listen to the Opposition, we would continue to have a system that has us tinkering around the edges, with cosmetic changes that crumble away once the newness wears off.  We are determined to reform education holistically and that will require us to stop pandering with political statements and make real and equitable change.

The Ministry of Public Works advises the public that recent failures in St. George’s ageing water distribution system have disrupted the service resulting in intermittent water supply levels. 

A team from the Water and Sewage Section are working to resolve the issue and expect services to return to normal levels by the end of day Wednesday, 17 February. 

Until such time, customers in urgent need of water are advised to contact water trucking services. 

Good day.

There were 1458 test results received by the Ministry of Health since the last update, and one was positive for COVID-19. The new case is classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with a known case.

Additionally, since the last update, there were four recoveries.

There are currently four active cases, of which;

· Three are under public health monitoring and

· One is in hospital with none in critical care;

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will feature an encore showing of Broadcasting Black, the locally produced film which explores the often overlooked contribution of black media to the success of the 1959 Theatre Boycotts.

Broadcasting Black was created by Dr. Dana Selassie, and the film was previously screened last September at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI), sponsored by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. 

The Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, released the Quarter 2, 2020 Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Expenditure publication from the Department of Statistics.

The Minister explained, “After adjusting for inflation, the GDP in constant prices for the second quarter decreased by 15.7 per cent to $1,368.0 million.  The decline in growth was influenced primarily by double-digit declines in final consumption and gross capital formation due to restricted economic activity caused by mitigation efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP took note of recent reports of alleged bullying and harassment in Bermuda’s public schools and urged educators, parents and students to take action when it occurs.

He responded to a press statement by activist group Social Justice Bermuda which indicated that some students face bullying and harassment based on their choice of religion.

Today the Minister for the Cabinet Office the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, released the 2020 Q2 Balance of Payments & International Investment Position publication from the Department of Statistics. 

The Minister explained, “Bermuda’s trade with non-residents resulted in a $250 million surplus for the second quarter of 2020, increasing $94 million from a year ago. This growth was due mainly to an increase in the surplus balance on the primary income account and a smaller deficit on the goods account. 

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 395 test results since the last update, and none were positive for COVID-19. 

Additionally, since the last update, there were no recoveries.

There are currently seven active cases, of which;

· Four are under public health monitoring and;

· Three are in hospital with none in critical care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 694 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 675 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

Today the Minister for the Cabinet Office the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, released the October 2020 Retail Sales Index.

In October, the overall volume of local retail sales increased 7.9%.  This compares to the previous year’s local retail sales which reported a volume decrease of 3.6% for October 2019.

Minister Furbert said, “The retail sales growth in October 2020 is the 4th consecutive month of increase as compared to the same month in 2019.  This consistent increase in activity is good news for Bermuda’s economy, and many local businesses.” 

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 293 test results since the last update, and none were positive for COVID-19. 

Additionally, since the last update, there was one recovery.

There are currently seven active cases, of which;

• Four are under public health monitoring and;

• Three are in hospital with none in critical care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 694 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 675 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, the Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons, JP, MP is pleased to announce the launch of the Liquor Licensing Authority’s (the Authority) new Digital Application process. 

The Liquor License Amendment Act 2019 became operative on May  13, 2019.  The Act ushered in Bermuda’s most comprehensive reform related to the liquor licensing regime since the initial legislation was passed, more than 45 years ago.

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to inform the public that the ongoing embankment repair works on Harbour Road in the vicinity of Burnt House Hill and Tamarind Vale will be extended into 21^st March, 2021.

The lane closure will be extended through to Sunday – 21^st March, 2021.  Working hours will continue from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm week days.

Traffic controls will be under direction of the Ministry of Public Works representatives and will be managed through traffic control signals & signage.

Good Morning,

The public will know that this Government is committed to strengthening our community clubs island-wide, as they play a vital role in our social fabric, and provide critical services to our communities. We have done this most recently through the awarding of grants to support capital development upgrades and to support youth programmes within local clubs.

The programmes and initiatives community and sporting organisations create for young people, seniors and others help our communities to thrive. 

Good morning and welcome to St. John’s Field, home of the Western Stars Sports Club more commonly known as Dandy Town. I’m delighted to be joined today by the Premier of Bermuda, the Honourable E. David Burt, MP for the area – MP Michael Weeks both members of Dandy Town, Mr. Andrew Mackay General Manager of Gorham’s Limited, and other Gorham’s representatives Mr. Rod Ferguson, Mr. Kirk Kitson and Mr. Henry Durham,.

The Cabinet Office today announced that in honour of former Government senator, labour activist and trade unionist, Ms. Laverne Furbert, an online condolence book has been created. Condolences and memories can be added by members of the public and can be found at www.remembr.com/laverne.furbert

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 542 test results since the last update, and none were positive for COVID-19. 

Additionally, since the last update, there was one recovery.

There are currently eight active cases, of which;

•   Five are under public health monitoring and;

•   Three are in hospital with none in critical care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 694 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 674 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

Recently, the Department of Workforce Development partnered with local recruitment agencies to hold a virtual networking event to help talented Bermudians secure employment.  

On Friday, 5^th February, the event brought together approximately 60 Bermudian corporate professionals, living on the island and abroad, to network and explore employment opportunities in various fields including accounting, legal, corporate administration and others.

The local recruiters participating in the event included:

Government House is pleased to announce that the VFS Global Team will be returning to the island 23 and 24 March 2021 to conduct biometric testing for visa applications.

Appointments time slots are currently open and will take place from 8:00am – 2:00pm on each day. These appointments can only be booked via the VFS Global website: https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/bm/en/vacs/hamilton.

Good Evening Bermuda, and thank you for tuning in tonight. 

Tonight I am joined by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, who will provide an update on the vaccination program, including numbers of residents vaccinated, vaccine side effects, and other updates from her ministry. 

Following that, I will provide you with an update on the next delivery of vaccines and some other matters.

We are also joined tonight by The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ayoola Oyinloye, who will be able to answer technical/medical questions from the media.

Good afternoon.

The Ministry of Health received 250 test results since the last update, and none were positive for COVID-19.

Additionally, since the last update, there were two recoveries.

There are currently nine active cases, of which;

•   Six are under public health monitoring and;

•   Three are in hospital with none in critical care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 694 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 673 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 1385 test results since the last update, and two were positive for COVID-19. One of the new cases is classified as imported by a resident who arrived on AA308 from Miami on 6 February 2021 and tested positive on their arrival test. The other new case is classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with known cases.

Additionally, since the last update, there was one recovery.

There are currently 11 active cases, of which;

•   Eight are under public health monitoring and;

Since 2014, the Sargasso Sea Commission has worked to conserve the Sargasso Sea, a unique haven of biodiversity in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, as a case study for high seas conservation. In March 2019, the Commission celebrated its 5^th anniversary with a meeting held at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences in St George’s, to discuss next steps to strengthen the stewardship of the Sargasso Sea.

The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors is collaborating with professionals who work with persons with Dementia related conditions, to enhance public awareness and education on Dementia Care in Bermuda. 

Minister Furbert said, “On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I want to thank the individuals and organisations that are assisting us in creating a supportive and engaging community that is Dementia caring.” 

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 351 test results since the last update, and none were positive for COVID-19. 

Additionally, since the last update, there were no recoveries.

There are currently ten active cases, of which;

•   Six are under public health monitoring and;

•   Four are in hospital with none in critical care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 692 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 670 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

“Stan Seymour was a true cultural and tourism ambassador for Bermuda, and he will be truly missed,”said the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. the Hon. Ernest Peets JP, following this week’s passing of Stan “Lord Necktie” Seymour. 

The Ministry of Health received 360 test results since the last update, and none were positive for COVID-19. 

Additionally, since the last update, there was one recovery.

There are currently ten active cases, of which;

· Six are under public health monitoring and

· Four are in hospital with none in critical care;

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 692 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 670 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.