Government

Today there were 555 test results received by the Ministry of Health, and none were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda has had 181 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

• there are 5 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring, and
• none are hospitalized or in critical care;
• a total of 167 have recovered, and
• the total deceased remains 9.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 56 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 9 to 101 years.

The Cabinet Office announced today the appointment of Ms. Aliyyah Ahad as the Government of Bermuda representative in Brussels, Belgium. This appointment comes at the end of the tenure of The Hon. M. D. Renee Webb JP who had filled the position since 2018. 

Thank you.

I have invited you here today for an announcement for a project that has been underway since September 2018 and is now at the stage, where it requires public engagement. Before that, I would like to introduce you to the people who have joined me today. 

Mr. Willie Ferguson is the Chairperson of the grassroots organization M.O.V.E. which stands for Mobilise, Organise, Visualise and Execute; and 

MP Jamahl Simmons is here today in his capacity as the Chair of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) Board.

Back in 2017 I was contacted by a group of fishermen who wanted to see if Government would repeal the fish pot ban. We were not able to agree on the reinstitution of fish pots, however during discussions it was revealed that the Industry appears fragmented, with some observers making comparisons with taxi industry. Where the Taxi Industry has ‘prearranged’ and ‘solicited’ fares; the fishing industry has ‘commercial’ and ‘recreational’ fishermen, and their interests are not always aligned.

Thank you, Premier.

As the Premier stated, I am the Chair of MOVE: Mobilise Organise Visualise and Execute, a grassroots organization formed in 2015 that raises issues, people, and movements that preserve, support or promotes Bermudians and our way of life. 

When we were approached by Fishermen who asked us for assistance, M.O.V.E. readily accepted the request and immersed ourselves in the Industry. 

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to inform motorists that Lighthouse Road, Southampton & the Railway Trail will undergo paving works that will require road closure.

This road closure will take place during Wednesday, October 7^th, 2020 through Friday, October 30^th, 2020. Working hours will be from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, weekly Monday through Friday. The road closure will commence from Middle Road junction to Shawn Acres Lane junction and the Railway Trail from Lighthouse road to BELCO substation.

Thank you, Premier

Good afternoon.

As the Premier illuminated there are many benefits to having a Government sponsored Virtual Market.

Specifically, a virtual market allows:

Thank you, Erica, for the kind introduction.

Executive Director, Ms. Erica Smith, Chairman, MP Jamahl Simmons, BEDC Staff and ladies and gentlemen.

Good afternoon.

On behalf of the Bermuda Government, it is a pleasure to be with you to confirm the selection of a vendor for the Virtual Market.

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) can confirm that the Central Bus Terminal kiosk resumed normal operations on Friday, September 25^th, after being temporarily closed from 4pm Thursday, September 24^th. DPT thanks the public for their patience and understanding.

Good afternoon Bermuda; and thank you, members of the media, for your attendance today.

I begin today’s press conference on a sombre note. On behalf of the Government of Bermuda and the people of Bermuda, I express my condolences to the family and friends of the young lady who lost her life at the hands of a heartless murderer on Sunset Lane, last evening in Pembroke during the early hours of this morning.

Today there were 418 test results received by the Ministry of Health, and none were positive for COVID-19. 

Bermuda now has 181 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

• 167 have recovered, and
• there are 5 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring;
• none are hospitalized or in critical care, and
• the total deceased remains at 9.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 56 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 9 to 101 years. 

After many weeks of negotiations, the Government of Bermuda can confirm that it has reached agreement in principle with the Bermuda Police Association (BPA) that will essentially see the Police participate in the austerity measures programme for a 12-month period.

As a further note, the parties have also reached an agreement in principle on the Conditions of Service Order, which will see the Police receive the cost of living increase of 2.5% for fiscal 2017/18 and 2.0% for 2018/19 which accords with the agreements reached with all other Public Officers.  

The Ministry of Health is advising the public that returning officers and presiding officers employed by the Parliamentary Registrar as well as election candidates have the opportunity to undergo saliva testing prior to Thursday’s General Election to help ensure voter safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This means the testing hours for the Perot testing location will be extended tonight and tomorrow night for this group of individuals who can attend between 6pm and 9pm either tonight or tomorrow night.

In response to the murder of a young woman which took place in Pembroke this morning, the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Renee Ming offered the following: 

“This was very distressing news to receive in the early hours of this morning,” she said. 

“Life is precious, and it saddens me that a young woman’s life was taken away in such a tragic circumstance. I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the young woman’s family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time. 

PEMBROKE, Bermuda – September 29, 2020 – Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) (NYSE: ATH) and its reinsurance subsidiary, Athene Life Re Ltd.(ALRe), announced it is donating 200 laptops to the Bermuda Public School System for the 2020-2021 school year. The donation aligns with Athene’s commitment to education-based initiatives in its communities as part of its broader corporate responsibility strategy.

Hamilton, Bermuda – Commencing March 28, 2021, Bermuda commercial air service from London will originate from Heathrow Airport, replacing service from Gatwick Airport, the Bermuda Ministry of Transport and British Airways announced jointly today. For Bermuda, this marks a welcome return to the UK’s busiest airport.

Later today, the Minister of Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo will participate in the premiere screening of Broadcasting Black, a locally produced film which explores the often overlooked contribution of black media to the success of the 1959 Theatre Boycotts. 

Today, Minister for the Cabinet Office the Hon. Wayne L. Furbert, JP, MP, released the June 2020 Consumer Price Index publication from the Department of Statistics. 

The Minister explained, “In June 2020 consumers paid the same as they did for the CPI basket of goods and services in June 2019. Between May 2020 and June 2020 the average cost of all goods and services decreased 0.1 percentage points.”

The Ministry of Education is pleased to announce the recipients of 2020 Bermuda Government Scholarships and Awards.  

Each year the Ministry of Education provides scholarships and awards to Bermudian students to pursue a higher education.  Last year, the Government announced a new award, the Bermuda College Promise Programme for students graduating from public schools. To date, 70 students have registered and benefited from this initiative that provides free tuition to a senior with a 3.0 GPA to attend the Bermuda College.  

Today there were 1232 test results received by the Ministry of Health, and none were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda has had 181 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

• there are 5 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring, and
• none are hospitalized or in critical care;
• a total of 167 have recovered, and
• the total deceased remains 9.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 56 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 9 to 101 years.

Last week, the Mirrors Programme hosted a prize-giving ceremony for students who entered the Annual Art and Digital Competition held in partnership with the Mirrors Alumni & Friends Association and Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. 

The theme of the competition was “ Home – Exploring different notions of what constitutes a feeling of belonging”. Students from Bermuda’s public and private schools entered 71 pieces of artwork, including nine digital art submissions were displayed at the Masterworks Museum from July 3 through August 8, 2020. 

At Tuesday’s Covid press conference, and in light of the current regulations expiring this weekend, changes to the public health regulations were announced. It is correct that the hours for liquor licensed establishments will be extended from 12 midnight to 2 am by the new regulations which were made yesterday and subsequently gazetted. For clarity, these changes come into force on Sunday morning at 6:01 am, and as such liquor licensed establishments can stay open until 2:00am from Sunday night, 27 September 2020.

Today there were 560 test results received by the Ministry of Health, and none were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda has had 181 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

Today there were 344 test results received by the Ministry of Health, and none were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda has had 181 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

• there are 5 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring, and
• none are hospitalized or in critical care;
• a total of 167 have recovered, and
• the total deceased remains 9.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 56 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 9 to 101 years.

Good afternoon.

I am honoured to be here again for the roof wetting of the Casa dos Acores Community Centre, located here in Admiralty Park, North Shore, Pembroke. 

The Minister of Community Affairs and Sports the Hon. Lovitta Foggo JP, MP, extended condolences to the family of Mr. Llewellyn Hollis, who passed away yesterday at the age of 84.

“Mr. Hollis was considered one of Bermuda’s finest fishermen who was committed to the ‘arts of the sea’ throughout the course of his life, including making shark-oil barometers, scuba diving, and powerboat racing,” Minister Foggo said. 

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) is advising the public that the Central Bus Terminal kiosk closed today (Thursday, September 24^th) at 4:00pm.

The temporary closure is to allow for repairs to the kiosk’s air conditioning unit.

The Department of Public Transportation apologises to the public for the late notice and for any inconvenience this may cause.

An update regarding the reopening of the kiosk will be provided as soon as possible.

Today there were 787 test results received by the Ministry of Health, and none were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda has had 181 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

• there are 5 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring, and
• none are hospitalized or in critical care;
• a total of 167 have recovered, and
• the total deceased remains 9.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 56 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 9 to 101 years.

Following a “chat & chew” event in July at which community clubs were hosted to discuss and identify areas of need, Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, and the Minister of Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo, JP, MP, presented cheques to eight (8) local community organisations. 

Cheques were presented today to:

Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club – $50,000

Boulevard Community Club – $12,500

Devonshire Colts Football Club – $12,500

Devonshire Recreation Club –$36,000

Harrington Workman’s Club – $50,000

The Minister of Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, provides a statement regarding the closure of Fairmont Southampton.  

“Upon receiving the news of the decision to temporarily close one of Bermuda’s oldest hotels, the Fairmont Southampton, I feel it necessary to express my concern regarding the large scale redundancies that will occur.” 

“While I understand management’s rationale to close for renovations at this time, this will undoubtedly have an impact on the future of many hotel employees and those in the hotel’s service supply chain.” 

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

The public will know that this Government is committed to improving the Financial Assistance system that currently helps those in the community who require financial support to meet their basic needs.