Government

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Cindy Clarke, led a small team to London to participate in the International Association of Prosecutors’ (IAP) Annual General Conference, held from September 24-27, under the theme “The Changing Nature of Crime in the 21st Century: Challenges and Responses”. There were over 500 attendees, with 70 countries represented.

Her Excellency the Governor is seeking applications to fill the post of Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment. Lt Col Beasley’s tenure as Commanding Officer will end by June 2024. The role will be advertised locally and will be open to Bermudians and Spouses of Bermudians legally able to swear allegiance to the Crown.

The new appointment will be made by the Governor, having considered a recommendation by the Promotions Board of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, following a vetting and interview process.

“We want to draw the public’s attention to Hurricane Tammy’s potential threat to Bermuda over the next few days. It is essential for everyone to be aware and stay updated on the storm’s advisories as it approaches our island,” commented Acting Minister of National Security the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP.

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, the Honorable Minister Walter Roban held a meeting with key representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Regulatory Authority, BELCO, and SOL Petroleum to address the pressing issue of the significant increase in the Fuel Adjustment Rate (FAR). This rate increase has had substantial implications for the general public.

“We are thrilled to embark on this innovative partnership with the Bermuda Technical Institute Association,” said Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, about a partnership offering inmates a chance to gain Information Technology (IT) qualifications.

The West End Development Corporation (WEDCO) is issuing a safety advisory to the public concerning the North Arm area within the Royal Naval Dockyard.

This area, seen in the attached photo, has experienced significant erosion, leading to a safety risk for mariners in the vicinity and visitors on land.

It is essential for the safety of all those visiting the Royal Naval Dockyard that extreme caution be exercised while near this area, which will be fenced off until it is repaired.

Good afternoon and thank you for being here today to witness the completion of yet another renovation project. I am joined by the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Honourable Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, the Chairman of the BHC Board MP Chris Famous, JP, MP members of the Board and staff of the Corporation.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support research for a cure. National Mammography Day, which falls on the third Friday of October, is essential to this awareness campaign.

The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, shares the following message about the significance of mammography.

Breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. In Bermuda, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women.

As the public is aware, the prestigious Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) is currently taking place in Bermuda at the Hamilton Princess.

The global forum brings together more than 130 protection and privacy commissioners worldwide.

The theme of this year’s Assembly is Ripples, Waves and Currents.

Due to inclement weather forecast for this weekend, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport has decided to postpone the Gombey Festival Showcase until Saturday, 4 November, 2023.

Following discussions between the Department of Culture and key stakeholders, it was agreed that this event would be best manifested as originally intended as an outdoor event so as to accommodate the large attendance that the Festival has attracted in recent years.

Today, the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, offered the following statement over today’s shooting incident in Hamilton: “I am appalled by today’s shooting incident and feel sorry for those who had to experience this terrifying event. 

“This act of violence is reckless and puts innocent lives at risk, which is totally unacceptable in a civilised society such as Bermuda.

“I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and am confident that the Bermuda Police Service will apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.

Good afternoon.

Following my appointment, a year ago, I was asked by the media what is the top issue I would tackle first. My answer was that I had three priorities, they were:

#1. Air Service Development
#2. Air Service Development and
#3. Air service development.

At the Ministry of Transport, our priorities have not changed.

The Bermuda Government today released a short video highlighting its Stamp Duty Amendment Act 2023.

In March 2023, the Bermuda Government made revisions to the Stamp Duty Act of 1976 with the aim of aiding first-time homebuyers and enhancing the equity of stamp duty fees. These changes involved increasing the exemption threshold, abolishing stamp duty fees for mortgage transfers, and implementing a system of marginal rates.

“I take this opportunity to thank the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) for holding another successful Bermuda Tech Summit event”, said the Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward, reflecting on the event, which took place October 9 and 10 at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Now in its fifth year, this event has become a mainstay of Bermuda’s annual event calendar. It continues to bring large numbers of professionals, thought leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world to share their expertise and wisdom to benefit all.

Good afternoon, Members of the Media and the people of Bermuda.

I’m joined today by the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, and the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Tourism, the Hon. Vance Campbell.

Through the Ministry of Economy and Labour, the Economic Development Department (EDD) has successfully hosted its 2nd Fintech Roundtable of 2023, reinforcing the island’s position as a leader in financial technology and digital assets. Building upon the previous session on June 27th, the latest roundtable spotlighted strategies for innovation adoption, streamlined processes, and local talent integration.

“Without question, the last few weeks have been exhausting and challenging for the Government. But our public servants have gone above and beyond to ensure that critical services were  met, in spite of the adversity faced.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour has received queries from employees and members of the public pertaining to redundancy and the payment of severance allowance.  

While the Government of Bermuda appreciates the financial position that some employers may be in during this time, section 30 of the Employment Act 2000 (the “Act”) clearly sets out employers’ responsibilities when contemplating redundancies.  

The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport can confirm that Bermuda’s flag will be flown at the Pan Am Games, which is due to commence on 20 October 2023, in Santiago, Chile.  

The achievement of this outcome can be attributed to the comprehensive and effective review process led by Ministry Headquarters, the Bermuda Sports Anti-Doping Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

While the Government appreciates that the Fisherman’s Association Bermuda (FAB) disagree with the commitment to fully protect twenty per cent of the island’s exclusive economic zone, developing a balanced and integrated marine spatial plan to safeguard our marine resources for current and future generations is critical to our future. The marine spatial plan will organise the use of Bermuda’s waters, balancing the demands for development with the need to protect the environment in full consultation with all stakeholders. 

Taxpayers are reminded that the deadline for tax filing and payment is Monday, October 16th, 2023. 

Those taxpayers currently registered to e-file must file and pay using  www.etax.gov.bm.

In July, the Government announced that it would revisit the parish primary school decision process. A key component is integrating an additional study factor, ‘History and Legacy’.

A very special good afternoon to all.

Today, I am honored to be joined by Kimale Evans, President of the Bermuda Netball Association, and Tahkeisha Welch, Secretary of the BNA. It is my distinct pleasure to officially announce the reopening of the Bernard Park Netball Courts after a closure of just over 9 months. This decision was made for health and safety due to the extensive cracks developed in the courts.