Government

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 1604 test results since the last update, and two (2) were positive for COVID-19. These two new cases are classified as under investigation. They are among residents with no currently identified link to other known cases or history of travel in the past 14 days.

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

There are currently 22 active cases, of which;

· All 22 are under public health monitoring and;

· None are in the hospital.

The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, and the Registrar General, Mr. Aubrey Pennyman are pleased to announce a call for submissions for the redesigning of the Marriage Room on the first floor of the Government Administration Building.

Bermudians or Bermuda residents are invited to submit a proposal for an 8’5” x 12’¾” mural to be installed in the Registry General’s Marriage Room which reflects the theme, ‘Love Bermuda.’

The mural will serve as a focal point for civil ceremonies that take place within the Registry General.

Good day to all members of the media and the listening public. 

I am incredibly pleased to be here today with Melissa Logie, President and CEO of the Chartered Professional Accountants Bermuda (CPA), to announce the launch of a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Labour and the CPA Bermuda, aimed at increasing the number of qualified Bermudian accountants. 

Mr. Speaker, as a woman and Minister responsible for Human Rights it is my privilege to stand before this Honourable House today, the 8^th of March, to acknowledge the annual celebration of International Women’s Day.  Historically this day is observed globally with the aim to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

On Monday, March 1st, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, was delighted to read the official Proclamation launching Social Work Month 2021. 

Minister Furbert said, “I was honoured to be a part of the virtual launch of Bermuda’s Social Work Month 2021. This year’s theme is “Social Workers Are Essential,” and it perfectly embodies the impact of this helping profession.” 

After 14 meetings held over the past six weeks to discuss the proposal for the introduction of parish primary schools, the Ministry of Education will hold its last final meeting on Monday, March 8. 

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Education stated: “This is an opportunity for stakeholders and all community members in Hamilton, Smith’s and Warwick Parishes to join in and hear about the proposal to introduce parish primary schools, offer their feedback and ask any questions. Additionally, anyone else who missed any of the previous meetings can join as well.”

Good day.

The Ministry of Health received 425 test results since the last update, and one (1) was positive for COVID-19. This new case is classified as local transmission with known contact as associated with a known case.

Additionally, since the last update, there was (1) recovery.

There are currently 22 active cases, of which;

• All 22 are under public health monitoring and;

• None are in the hospital.

The Government of Bermuda London Office wishes to advise Bermudians in the United Kingdom that whilst the stay at home restrictions are in place, the ability to travel abroad is restricted only to those with a legally permitted reason. From 8 March 2021, all travellers departing England for Bermuda must complete a declaration form to confirm that they are outside of their home to travel abroad for a legally permitted reason. 

Mr Speaker

I rise today to provide this Honourable House a progress report on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination programme in Bermuda.

As we are all aware, COVID-19 continues as a public health emergency for Bermuda and the rest of the world. In response to this deadly pandemic, research and trials of new vaccines were accelerated through 2020, and continue at a fast pace into 2021.

Mr Speaker

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House on the progress undertaken toward the elimination of single-use plastics in Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker, 

Good Morning, Mr. Speaker.

It was December 17th, 2020 when the Executive Director of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, Mrs. Erica Smith and I launched the Short Term Stimulus Programme to a maximum value of BMD $13,385,000 and invited small to medium sized contractors to participate.

Good day.

Today the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns announced the appointment of Cheryl-Ann Lister OBE, CFA, MBA, BSc as the Acting Financial Secretary for the Ministry of Finance.

Mrs. Lister will assume the post effective Monday, March 8, 2021. 

Her appointment is made following the recent passing of the former Financial Secretary, the late Anthony Manders. 

Mrs. Lister will work under the policy direction of the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Curtis Dickinson. 

Good Afternoon to the Bermuda Public and members of the media.

I am here today to provide you with an overview of the Ministry of Transport’s plans for the Budget year, 2021-2022, and to demonstrate how the Ministry of Transport seeks to fulfill itsmission of transporting people and goods efficiently and safely, during these challenging times.

I want to first of all thank the Department heads, the Ministry of Transport staff, and all those who worked tirelessly to ensure that we were able to come up with an outcome that best supports our community.

Good morning,

I wish to provide a brief overview of some of the key focuses of the Ministry of National Security this upcoming fiscal year. Along with the Ministries of Health and Education, the Ministry of National Security received one of largest budget allocations for fiscal year 2021-22.

However, our Ministry budget has been prudently scaled back, as we recognize the fiscal challenges that have been caused by the pandemic. Like other Ministries this will be a particularly challenging year for us. But I can assure the public:

The Bermuda Road Safety Council (BRSC) would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists of their duty to drive safely while on the roads. As we enter into March our topic of the month is “Maintain your distance”.

What does it mean to ‘Maintain your distance’?

The Ministry of Health received 479 test results since the last update, and five (5) were positive for COVID-19. All of the new cases are 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 21 active cases, of which;

• All 21 are under public health monitoring and;

• None are in the hospital.

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;