Government

The Minister of Health encourages parents to register their children (ages 4-18yr) who have asthma on the 2023/2024 Bermuda Student Asthma Registry. A student with asthma needs to be added to the registry EVERY year, as their health, school, address, contact details, etc. may have changed. If your child has asthma, or you suspect they might, please add their information to the 2023/2024 Bermuda Student Asthma Registry.- https://bit.ly/2023BermudaStudentAsthmaRegistry

Today Government House and the Cabinet Office confirmed UK Government approval for the Government of Bermuda to advance the development of links between Bermuda and the Middle East Region.

Minister for Americas and the Caribbean, David Rutley MP, has confirmed that Bermuda’s Middle East Advisor is authorized by the UK Government to promote contacts between the Government of Bermuda and regional Governments in the Middle East. These links will include the areas of financial services, trade and investment, tourism, and in culture, sport and education.

Eight Bermudians who participated in the Government’s 6-week global FinTech Education Programme received their certificates of Achievement at a reception held in their honour on August 24th, hosted by the Economic Development Department (EDD).

This ceremony marked the successful culmination of their intensive journey through the EDD’s FinTech Education Programme, which consisted of 3 streams of learning: a live online component, lunch and learns, and a self-paced online course.

“At this time, it appears that Bermuda will be spared the worst of Franklin, however, I urge residents to stay alert and to monitor weather and official updates over the weekend,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, following an Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) meeting to assess the possible impact of Tropical Storm Franklin. According to the latest Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) forecast, Franklin is expected to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane as it passes by the southwest of the island.

A Ministry of Education spokesman noted that “whilst there have been some delays in the construction works at Purvis Primary and Francis Patton Primary Schools, a full contingency plan to provide uninterrupted learning for the students at these schools is in place. This plan was shared initially with parents in June and will be further shared with parents directly next week.”

Earlier this week, the Minister of Tourism and the Cabinet Office, Vance Campbell, met with the leadership of the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) to acknowledge the signing of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Government of Bermuda and the union.

The new CBA sets out amended terms and conditions of employment for those government employees who are members of the BPSU.

The MSC Meraviglia arrived at Heritage Wharf in Bermuda yesterday on her inaugural sailing from New York. MSC Meraviglia is one of the world’s largest cruise ships and the largest vessel to dock at Heritage Wharf this season when measured by gross tonnage. MSC Cruises is the third-largest cruise line, with a fleet of 22 ships offering itineraries across the globe.

“I am delighted to share that ten new electric buses have been delivered to the Department of Public Transportation (DPT) Headquarters this week. Additionally, we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of 15 more buses next Monday, 28 August, followed by the remaining 15 on 3 September ”, announced Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP.

“As we prepare for the second year of Signature Learning in Bermuda’s Public School System(BPSS), what better way to celebrate than to welcome BELCO to the BPSS family, as yet another Signature Learning Partner,” said Minister of Education, the Hon Diallo Rabain, JP,MP.  

This Saturday (August 26), the Department of Culture will once again host the popular concert series, Creatives Live! – featuring singer Arijahknow Live Wires and The Kings Band.

Happening at the Devonshire Recreation Club, Creatives Live! will take place from 9.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m.

This year, the Creatives Live! concerts expanded beyond City Hall, to the island’s sports and community clubs and have been hosted in the evening hours, which has been well received by patrons and attendees.

Today, the Ministry of Economy and Labour released the April 2023 Retail Sales Index (attached).

April’s volume of retail sales index decreased 4.1 per cent compared to last year.  In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $98.3 million.

Four of the seven sectors recorded year-over-year volume sales index decreases in April 2023 as follows: 

1. The sales volume for Food Stores fell 7.8 per cent.  The sales volume for this sector was 12.1 per cent below April 2019 pre-pandemic sales level.

Last week (Aug. 18), Acting Premier Walter Roban recognized the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Recruiting and Career Management team as the recipients of the July Public Service Excellence Award (PSEA).

As the community is aware, the PSEA is a programme that recognizes Public Officers who are demonstrating admirable service delivery. Each month an individual or team is selected for their significant accomplishments in the last 60 days.

The Ministry of Public Works would like to inform residents and stakeholders in St. George’s that there will be a temporary disruption in the flushing (non-potable) water supply provided by the Water and Sewage Section.

This disruption is necessary to facilitate crucial water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in the St. Georges and Southside areas.

The interruption in the flushing water supply is scheduled for Monday, 28 August 2023, and is expected to be restored by Thursday, 31 August 2023.

“Preparedness is key to safeguarding our families and our island. As we rapidly approach what is historically the most active part of hurricane season for Bermuda, now is the time for proper planning and preparation by everyone to ensure our homes are secure, our supplies are stocked, and we are attentive to the EMO’s guidance,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP.

Yesterday (August 17), the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason P Hayward, JP, MP, presented completion certificates to five (5) young Bermudians who recently finished their Renewable Energy Certified Solar Installer training. The programme provided theoretical and technical training and certification in the solar energy industry.

Earlier today, the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason P Hayward, JP, MP, held a press conference to provide an update on the Bermuda Immigration and Protection (Prohibition of Entry) Order 2023 (“the Order”).

Remarks

The Hon. Jason P. Hayward JP, MP

The Minister Of Economy and Labour

Good morning.

Today, the Acting Head of the Public Service, Cherie Whitter, advised Mr. Kirk Outerbridge will assume the role of Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works. 

Mr. Outerbridge is the Chief Engineer for the Ministry of Public Works. He’s a mechanical engineer and a registered Professional Engineer in both Bermuda and Canada.

He has over 20 years of experience in the Waste industry, including 15 years directly managing the Tyne’s Bay Waste to Energy Facility.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Heavy Highway Construction Asphalt training programme, a collaborative effort with Joell’s Asphalt Service & Maintenance Ltd. and Urban Construction. This comprehensive training initiative has equipped seven (7) young Bermudian men with industry-standard National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credentials, marking a significant milestone in Bermuda’s commitment to fostering a skilled and capable workforce.