Government

Good Afternoon. 

During the recent election, there seemed to be a significant emphasis on renewable energy and a cleaner environment. I thought it important that I give our Bermuda public an update on our considerable work on implementing renewable energy and a cleaner environment. 

The public is advised that the Department of Immigration will introduce automated electronic clearing gates, also known as e-Gates, in the Immigration Arrivals Hall. 

 In preparation, the Department will launch a pilot of the e-Gates at the L.F. Wade Terminal starting tomorrow Tuesday, October 6^th, 2020. 

WHEREAS, the Ministry of Education recognizes all teachers in Bermuda’s public and private schools; and 

WHEREAS, the Ministry of Education recognizes the unquestionable dedication and exceptional commitment of teachers; and

WHEREAS, the Ministry of Education recognizes teachers for the quality education experience they provide for students; and

Today there were 1196 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 2 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring, and
• none are hospitalized or in critical care;
• a total of 170 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.

Today marks the start of World Teachers’ Appreciation Week, and this afternoon the Ministry of Education hosted a special ceremony at City Hall to recognize all teachers in Bermuda.  The City of Hamilton Town Crier, Ed Christopher opened the ceremony and speakers gave tributes and remarks led by Mayor of Hamilton, Charles R. Gosling, JP, the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP and Nishanthi Bailey, and music performances by Cedarbridge Academy student, Shardae Lee and former student Tosha Codrington.

The Department of Marine & Ports Services is advising the public that Gibbs Hill Lighthouse will be temporarily closed for repairs from Monday, 5^th October until Saturday, 10^th October 2020.

During those dates, as an additional safety precaution, the road leading up to the lighthouse – as well as the lighthouse’s parking lot – will also be closed to public access.

The Department of Marine & Ports Services asks for the public’s cooperation while this necessary repair work is being conducted.

Today there were 760 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 3 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring, and
• none are hospitalized or in critical care;
• a total of 169 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.

Today there were 396 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 3 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring, and
• none are hospitalized or in critical care;
• a total of 169 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.

Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP this afternoon met with the Governor, Mr. John Rankin at Government House. The Governor congratulated the Premier on winning the General Election held yesterday and stated he looked forward to working with him.

The swearing in of Ministers and the appointment of Senators will take place at Government House next week.

The Parliamentary Registrar today announced the results of the General Election 2020. The Progressive Labour Party win with 30 seats to the One Bermuda Alliance’s 6 seats.

Today there were 895 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 4 active cases, who are
• all under public health monitoring, and
• none are hospitalized or in critical care;
• a total of 168 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.

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.