Government

Good morning Bermuda, thank you for joining us today.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share the plans and initiatives of the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors for the 2021-2022 budget year. 

I want to take a moment to express that the Government recognises that while Bermuda’s economy has provided opportunities and a comfortable lifestyle for many, this is not the reality for all. 

Good Morning and thank you for coming.

Today, I am pleased to give an overview of the Ministry of Education’s 2021 – 2022 fiscal year budget.

The Ministry of Education’s 2021-2022 budget allocation was reduced by just over $9 million from the originally budgeted sum last year.  However, the budget is $3.6 million less than the revised budget resulting from the impact of the pandemic.

Madam President, as Bermuda and the rest of the world grapples with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that during these times where physical distancing is required to keep our citizenry safe, arts and culture play a key role in bringing us together to help ensure our emotional wellbeing.

However, Madam President, despite the ability of the arts to uplift and inspire us; the individuals who are the creators of these experiences that we all enjoy have also been affected by the pandemic.  

Good Evening Bermuda,

Tonight I am joined by the Minister of Health, The Hon. Kim Wilson who will provide updates on the latest vaccination statistics, the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases, and further updates from her Ministry.

I am thankful to have Dr. Carika Weldon is here to discuss the efforts being done by her team at the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory to map which variants we have seen in Bermuda. 

Following the Minister and Dr. Weldon, I will provide you with an update on the COVID-19 regulations agreed today by the Cabinet and other matters.

Good afternoon.

The Ministry of Health received 333 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 17 active cases, of which;

·         17 are under public health monitoring and;

·         None are in the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 713 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 684 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

Good Evening Bermuda,

I am pleased to share with you a summary of Bermuda’s current testing of the recent coronavirus variants.

To recap, the last update I delivered in January, I was able to share initial findings from the first batch of viral genome sequencing results conducted by Public Health England (PHE). This included 21 samples from cases between October 27th – November 18th.

Good afternoon and thank you for coming.

I am pleased to share information on the Ministry of Public Works plans and initiatives for the 2021-2022 budget year.

Considering the challenges this country and the world has faced over the last 12 months, the Ministry’s plans will be continuously scrutinised and adjusted as necessary to ensure we are on target to achieve our goals. At the same time, the Ministry will continue to seek out opportunities that will enable the Government to grow the economy.

The public is advised that road works on Harrington Sound Road will require major diversions for bus routes 1 and 3 on Thursday March 4th and Friday March 5th. These routes will completely bypass Harrington Sound Road on these dates.

Trenching in the area of Leamington Caves will make the road too narrow for buses to safely pass and there are no alternative detours in the area that are suitable. Road works are also taking place on Harrington Sound Road between Knapton Hill and Paynter’s Road. 

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 1385 test results since the last update, and six were positive for COVID-19. Five (5) of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with known cases. The additional new case is classified as under investigation. This case is a resident with no currently identified link to other known cases or a history of travel in the past 14 days.

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

There are currently 19 active cases, of which;

(Hamilton – Bermuda) – Yesterday, the Premier, The Hon. David Burt JP, MP and the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson JP, MP, hosted a luncheon for representatives of Bermuda’s Unions to discuss the 2021 Budget. In attendance was Armell Thomas, President of the Bermuda Public Services Union, Nishathi Bailey, President of Bermuda Union of Teachers, Marcus Wade, Vice President of the Bermuda Industrial Union, Sgt. David Bhagwan, Vice Chairman of Bermuda Police Association.

~ And Minister cautions no test, no play ~

As Bermuda prepares to return to competitive local sports, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. the Hon. Ernest Peets, JP, visited one of the COVID-19 sports testing centers to assess theprogress.

The public will be aware that the Ministry created the Return to Play Guidance for Sports, which is a step by step document that outlines the process for the resumption of sports in Bermuda. 

~ Pandemic restrictions and reduced tourism challenged economic growth ~

Today, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, released the Quarter 3, 2020 Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Expenditure publication; and he stated that due to restricted economic activity caused by mitigation efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, there was a decrease in the third quarter GDP.

Minister Furbert explained, “After adjusting for inflation, the GDP in constant prices for the third quarter decreased by 5.9 per cent to $1,437.0 million.  

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 443 test results since the last update, and two were positive for COVID-19. The first new case is one resident who arrived on AA 308 from Miami on 20 February 2021 and tested positive on their day four test. The second 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 no recoveries.

There are currently 13 active cases, of which;

· 12 are under public health monitoring and;

The Minister of National Security Renee Ming condemned yesterday afternoon’s violent knife attack which seriously injured a 16-year-old boy.

Minister Ming advised that she has been briefed by the Police about the incident that took place in the City of Hamilton, and understands that two suspects are in custody.

The victim continues to be treated for his injuries, and the Minister extended her thoughts to the young teen’s family.

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 404 test results since the last update, and two were positive for COVID-19. Both new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with known cases.

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

There are currently 11 active cases, of which;

·  Ten are under public health monitoring and;

·   One is in the hospital, with none in critical care.

The Bermuda Post Office (BPO) is advising the public that during the week of March 1^st 2021 there will be minor changes to the opening hours of the General Post Office and specific Sub Post Offices.

The time adjustments are in order to facilitate a series of staff meetings to discuss upgrades of various systems and processes.

Ø  On Monday March 1^st 2021 ~ Eastern Sub Post Offices in Devonshire, Flatts, Crawl and St. George’s will open from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

~ Public encouraged to support local talent at safely distanced midday concert ~

This Saturday, (Feb. 27), the Department of Culture will host the second Creatives Live! event, which will feature a performance by The Unit Band on the steps of City Hall.

The local musical midday concert series is aimed at showcasing and supporting Bermuda’s talented artists – many of whom have faced challenges due to the pandemic. It’s also a way to entertain and uplift the community during these challenging times.

~ Public encouraged to support local talent at safely distanced midday concert ~

This Saturday, (Feb. 27), the Department of Culture will host the second Creatives Live! event, which will feature a performance by The Unit Band on the steps of City Hall.

The local musical midday concert series is aimed at showcasing and supporting Bermuda’s talented artists – many of whom have faced challenges due to the pandemic. It’s also a way to entertain and uplift the community during these challenging times.

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 417 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 nine active cases, of which;

·         Eight are under public health monitoring and;

·         One is in the hospital, with none in critical care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 703 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 682 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

Minister hails 5^th consecutive monthly increase as proof that Government polices to reduce red tape are yielding benefits

Today the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, released the November 2020 Retail Sales Report which recorded the 5^th consecutive month of increased sales when compared to the prior year.

Good day Bermuda, thank you for joining us today. 

It is my pleasure to be joined by the Executive Director of Salvation Army, Ms. Beverly Daniels, the Deputy Commissioner of St. John’s Ambulance, Mr. Craig Burt, and Senior Programme Manager and Deputy Director of Department of Child and Family Services, Ms. Renee Brown and Mrs. Kennette Robinson.

As you know, Bermuda is a sub-tropical island, and thus we are subject to tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Good day Bermuda, thank you for joining us today.

It is my pleasure to be joined by the Executive Director of Salvation Army, Ms. Beverly Daniels, the Deputy Commissioner of St. John’s Ambulance, Mr. Craig Burt and Senior Programme Manager of Department of Child and Family Services, Ms. Renee Brown.

As you know, Bermuda is a sub-tropical island, and thus we are subject to tropical storms and hurricanes.

Good evening Bermuda,

Tonight I am joined by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson who will provide you with updates on the latest vaccination statistics, the Bermuda Health Council Drug Formulary Regulations 2021, and further updates from her ministry.

Following the Minister, I will discuss the extension of the Public Health Emergency, the Cannabis legislation, the upcoming 2021/2022 Budget, and other matters.

First, we will hear from the Minister of Health…

Thank you, Minister….

The Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, the Hon. Kathy L. Simmons, JP MP,  has today expressed condolences on the passing of Bermuda’s former Chief Justice, Sir Lisle Austin Ward.