Government

Mr. Speaker, 

This morning I rise before this Honourable House to provide an interim report on the annual Government Tuition Grant of $300,000 given to the Bermuda College for financial support to students; and, to share information on the College Promise ‘Merit Award’ programme.  

Mr. Speaker,

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, 

As the world’s efforts to eradicate the coronavirus focus increasingly on the manufacture and distribution of approved vaccines, all of us in Bermuda need to centre our immediate efforts on containing the pandemic on our shores. 

There were 678 test results received by the Ministry of Health yesterday (2 December 2020), and six were positive for COVID-19. 

One of the new cases is classified as imported with details as follows:

• 1 resident who arrived on DL 617  from New York on 2 December 2020 and tested positive on their arrival test, having not had a pre-test

Two of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact with details as follows:

Good Day Members of the Media, 

There were 682 test results received by the Ministry of Health yesterday (2 December 2020), and five were positive for COVID-19. 

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

Bermuda’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Ayoola Oyinloye has today directed that all teachers, students and staff be excluded from school for the rest of this week.

Good afternoon.

The Salvation Army has been active in Bermuda since 1896 when Adjutant Lutie Desbrisay first unfurled the Army flag. Over the last 124 years, their presence on the island has grown to many subdivisions and an extensive social services network which provide:

• Meals for the Hungry;

• Groceries for those in need; 

• a  Thrift Store; and

• Fellowship to seniors. 

Without a doubt, the Salvation Army has been an essential beacon of light in Bermuda. 

Good Day Members of the Media, 

There were 498 test results received by the Ministry of Health yesterday (1 December 2020), and five were positive for COVID-19. 

Two of the new cases (both asymptomatic) are classified as imported with details as follows:

Today the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP added her support to the upcoming Institute of Bermuda Architects virtual Lunch & Learn.

Minister Furbert stated, “This year’s theme for International Day of People with Disabilities, is ‘Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World’. On Wednesday 2 December, from 1pm – 2pm, the Institute of Bermuda Architects has designed a Zoom Lunch & Learn seminar. The topic is Access for All – Universal Design and Toilet Room Accessibility.

Good afternoon Bermuda, and welcome to members of the media who have joined us today.

I am joined, at our weekly press conference, by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, who will be providing an update to the public on the latest from her Ministry including the latest test results and proposed changes to travel requirements. Following that I will give an update on matters related to education, steps we all must take to curtail the spread of the coronavirus and an update on the WeHealth app pilot. First we will go to the Minister of Health. Minister.

Good Afternoon, remarks delivered at a press conference today by the Minister of Health the Hon. Kim Wilson JP MP regarding COVID-19.

I would like to begin today by recognizing World AIDS Day, which is marked annually on December 1^st.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for us all to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS, to remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illnesses and to thank those organizations who have provided crucial support services for those living with HIV/AIDS and their families. 

The Governor, John Rankin CMG, has announced that Ms Cindy Clarke will be appointed as Bermuda’s Director of Public Prosecutions with effect from Friday, 4 December 2020. 

The Governor said, “I am pleased to appoint Cindy Clarke as Bermuda’s next Director of Public Prosecutions.  She will bring to the position a wealth of experience, including as Crown Counsel since 2000 and as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions since 2011.  I wish Ms Clarke well in her new role.”

Good Evening Bermuda,

Before I begin my press statement, I would like to reiterate that the safety and health of all students and staff is a priority for the Ministry and Department of Education. 

As we continue navigate the effects of COVID 19, we do so in concert with the Ministry of Health.   Our commitment to our school family is to keep safety and health as a priority; to be transparent; and to keep our school staff, families and the public abreast of any new developments or plans. 

Good Afternoon,

Today I would like to provide a brief update in terms of the processes in place at the Ministry of Health for when there is a potential COVID-19 exposure in a school setting.

First of all though, I would like to thank my team at the Ministry of Health who has been working diligently all weekend, following a well laid out plan to combat any possible outbreak.  

Good afternoon.

Thank you for joining the Minister of Labour and me today.

As the coronavirus continues to profoundly impact our lives, the Government of Bermuda remains focused on the necessary work to ensure that Bermuda remains safe. Additionally, we continue the work required to provide a safety net to those persons and businesses who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

In my remarks today, I will cover three areas. They are as follows:

Good day to members of the media and the listening public. Thank you for your attendance and for watching this Press Conference.

Introduction

In today’s press conference I will provide an update on four (4) areas:

1. Employment Act and Labour Law changes;
2. Hamilton Docks Dispute;
3. Financial Assistance Updates;
4. Department of Workforce Development Updates.

1. Employment Act and Labour Law changes

On Friday I tabled two critical pieces of legislation:

Good Day Members of the Media, 

Over the weekend there were 1903 test results received by the Ministry of Health from 28-29 November 2020, and nine were positive for COVID-19. 

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

• 2 residents who arrived on B62231 from New York on 28 November 2020 and tested positive on arrival

Five  of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact with details as follows:

The Joint Ministerial Council, held virtually 23-26 November, has been a chance to celebrate the special partnership between the UK and the Overseas Territories (OTs).

Premier, the Hon E. David Burt, JP, MP, joined UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and elected leaders at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), and representatives from OTs and the UK. They held wide ranging discussions on a number of topics, including economic issues, COVID-19 response and recovery, protecting vulnerable groups and protecting the environment in both the run up to and beyond COP26.

The Minister of Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert attended the BUEI Christmas Craft Market on Saturday to show support for one of the featured vendors – The K. Margaret Crater Centre (KMCC).

They sold items made by their craft production group, where the clients are involved with making all of the items, to the degree of their abilities. 

They had several items for sale including candles, table runners, Christmas balls and magazine bowls.

The Ministry of Education this evening issued a further update to the public.

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, stated, “A non-teaching worker, employed at Clearwater Middle School tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend. The initial assessments by the Department of Health are that the school is safe to open tomorrow, Monday, 30 November, and will undergo a full risk assessment. 

The Ministry of Education provided the following update regarding St. George’s Prep Primary School and its quarantine status.

Following an assessment of the close contacts, the Chief Medical Officer has instructed that the students, families, teachers, and staff of St. George’s Prep Primary may be released from quarantine and resume normal activities. This includes returning to school.  

The Department of Health confirmed the lifting of quarantine to parents and teachers in formal correspondence yesterday (Nov. 28).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce for the second reading the Bill entitled the “Land Valuation and Tax (Special Provisions and Postponement of Preparation of Draft Valuation List) Act 2020”. This Bill seeks to modify the effect of the Land Valuation and Tax Act 1967 (“the 1967 Act”) so as to extend the validity period of the current valuation list and postpone the preparation of the next draft valuation list for Bermuda.

Following the decision yesterday to stop in-class meetings at Dellwood Middle School, the Department of Education met today to start the process for implementing  the school’s remote learning plan.

Good Day Members of the Media, 

There were 640 test results received by the Ministry of Health yesterday (27 November 2020), and four were positive for COVID-19. 

Two of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact with details as follows:

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1947

NOTICE NO            /  2020

CONEY ISLAND BRIDGE CLOSURE HAMILTON PARISH FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1^st, 2020 THROUGH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15^th, 2020

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to inform motorists that Coney Island Bridge will be closed for bridge replacement works from Tuesday, December 1^st, 2020 through Tuesday December 15^th, 2020.

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1947

NOTICE NO:       /  2020

HARBOUR ROAD, WARWICK

ROAD CLOSURE FOR EMERGENCY EMBANKMENT & WALL REPAIRS

MONDAY 30^th NOVEMBER 2020 THROUGH TUESDAY 1^st DECEMBER 2020

Earlier today, the Ministry of Education confirmed that a member of the Dellwood Middle School staff tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, eight staff at Dellwood were instructed by the Ministry of Health to quarantine and as a result, were not in school today. Those in quarantine were subsequently tested and one additional member of staff has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Good Day Members of the Media, 

The Ministry of Health is advising that, due to an increase in positive cases and demand for testing, the COVID-19 testing schedule has been extended.

Testing was previously to take place on Saturday at the Shelly Bay Market Place from 12am until 4pm; it will now be extended by three hours to 10am to 5pm.

An additional testing slot has also been added on Saturday; there will now be testing appointments available at Southside on Saturday from 4:30pm to 6pm.

At this time, the Ministry of Education wishes to provide an update regarding Paget Primary and West End Primary schools and advise the public on the quarantine and assessment measures recommended for identified students, their families and staff from these two schools. 

Following an assessment of the close contacts, the Chief Medical Officer has instructed that the students, families, teachers, and staff from Paget Primary and West End Primary schools may be released from quarantine and resume normal activities. This includes returning to school.  

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce to the Legislature the Report of the Parole Board for 2017 – 2020, in compliance with section 8 of the Parole Board Act 2001.

Honourable Members will be aware that under the Act, the Board is an independent body empowered to make decisions governing the time and conditions of release of inmates by assessing the risk they pose to the community and to themselves.