Government

Premier David Burt, JP, MP and his family have today shared their annual Cup Match photo.

This year’s official photoshoot is particularly special as it features the Premier and his family attired in clothing designed by Bermudian designer, business owner and creative Jordan Carey, founder and Creative Director of the Loquat brand.

The Cup Match holiday celebrates our culture and the history that binds us as Bermudians.  

It is a time when we come together to enjoy the finest aspects of our heritage, cherishing the company of loved ones and eagerly anticipating two days of thrilling cricket between Somerset and St. George’s.  

The anticipation leading up to the match is demonstrated by the vibrant and proud display of red and blue and blue and blue across the island. And this year, as much as any, the spirit of Cup Match can be felt from east to west!  

 “Our Island’s celebration should be marked with joy, unity, and harmony, and it is imperative that we, as a community, prioritise the well-being and safety of our citizens, particularly our youth,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, ahead of the Cup Match holiday weekend.

As we approach this much-anticipated period, the Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) is keen to ensure the safety and compliance of all liquor-licensed premises. 

The Cup Match competitive spirit is alive and well this week. Yesterday, Somerset and St. George’s fans descended on the Camden grounds for the annual Premier’s Cup Match Reception which was hosted by Premier David Burt.

Also in attendance, was Governor Rena Lalgie, US Consul General Karen Grissette as well as St. George’s Cricket Club President Neil Paynter and Somerset Cricket Club President Richard Scott.

The recently selected 2023 Cup Match teams were last evening’s guests of honour.

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The Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, was proud to present administrative professional certificates to 35 Bermudians who completed training on 28^th July 2023. “I am excited to be here today to congratulate the 35 Bermudians who have completed this training. Of these, 20 have already successfully passed the Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) Programme exam,” said the Minister, “I am confident that the remaining 15 expected to sit the exam over the coming weeks will also find success.”

It’s official, St. George’s are the new Mini-Cup Match champions. And after a hard-fought game, the team of little ones captured the title from last year’s cup holders – Somerset.

As the public is aware, each year Government’s Summer Day Camp (SDC) students gather to participate in Mini-Cup Match at the Devonshire Recreation Club.

It’s an event that helps to build excitement for the upcoming holiday. It was a full day for the two teams, with some highlights as follows:

Every so often, someone comes up with an imagination or a vision. A vision of the future that creates a mental picture that can be used to direct our actions.

We recognize that life is filled with uncertainties. But if we hold on to a vision of what is yet to come, we can boost our chances of achieving our Dreams.

Steve Jobs said, “If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.”

I believe that this was and is the case for Bermuda.

Today, Premier David Burt presented Cup Match hosts, St. George’s Cricket Club with a $50,000 donation to assist with preparations for this year’s Classic.

St. George’s Cricket Club President Mr. Neil Paynter accepted the funds on behalf of the club.

The Premier was joined by Sports Minister, Owen Darrell and East End MPs – Minister Tinee Furbert, MP Kim Swan and MP Renee Ming.

CUP MATCH PRESENTATION Remarks by The Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP 

The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation is inviting the community to come and cheer on our young people as they take part in the annual Mini-Cup Match on Thursday July 27.

Happening at the Devonshire Recreation Club, and featuring Government’s Summer Day Camp (SDC) students, Mini-Cup Match is aimed at building excitement for the upcoming holiday.

The activity also provides an opportunity for our young people to engage in teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie.

The Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, recently held a meeting with representatives of Air Canada at their Headquarters in Montreal. The meeting provided an opportunity to engage with Air Canada representatives and discuss matters regarding the airline’s Bermuda operations.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour has released the Economic Development Strategy’s Strategic Priority Three: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development. Strategic Priority Three aims to encourage economic growth for Bermuda’s local micro, small and medium-sized businesses and to facilitate the development and sustainability of a thriving world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bermuda.

Charting the future course of digital assets, the Bermuda Government’s Economic Development Department (EDD) led a roundtable discussion on June 27th that brought together industry stakeholders and DABA-licensed companies. This strategic dialogue marks a critical step in the ongoing evolution of Bermuda’s FinTech ecosystem, reinforcing the island’s position as a leader in digital asset regulation.

On Friday July 21^st, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Sen. Owen Darrell, JP, hosted an award ceremony for the float winners of the 2023 Bermuda Day Parade. The award presentation took place at the Bermuda National Gallery.

The Minister also highlighted the partnership between the Ministry and the Bermuda Foundation in launching the Bermuda Day Fund, in support of the Parade participants.

Mr Speaker and Honourable Members,

Later today, I will be laying before this Honourable House the Child Day Care Allowance Amendment Regulations 2023.

Mr Speaker, the purpose of these Regulations is to increase the value of awards and toexpand the pool of persons eligible for the benefit. Specifically, it amends the Child Day Care Allowance Regulations 2008 to introduce tiered, income-based benefits, and a maximum gross annual household income of $130,000 with respect to an application for child day care allowance. 

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to introduce Amendments to the Schedule of the Financial Assistance Regulations 2004, which is entitled the Table of Allowable Expenses.

The purpose of these amendments is to increase the benefits for recipients, to ensure that the rates better reflect the cost of living in Bermuda.  These changes will increase benefits received by over 2,000 seniors, disabled, low-earner and abled-bodied recipients of Financial Assistance.

Mr. Speaker,

The Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, the Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons, JP, MP, the Minister responsible for Consumer Affairs, is pleased to announce the following appointments to the Cost of Living Commission for 2023-2024.

“I’m delighted that Dr. Ian Walker and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) team working alongside the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS), have created these exhibits to showcase the great stories behind some of Bermuda’s conservation projects and the people who have devoted so much time and energy to making them happen”, said Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, JP, MP, following the ribbon cutting ceremony held last month officially opening the new exhibit entitled “A Tale of Two Islands”. 

The Ministry of Economy and Labour has released the Economic Development Strategy’s Strategic Priority Two: Business Attraction and Investment Promotion.  Strategic Priority Two aims to attract new businesses and investors to the island, especially in sectors that offer growth opportunities and economic diversification. The Government believes that attracting investment across multiple sectors will create a more diverse and resilient economy, which will increase economic growth, tax revenue, job creation, competition, innovation and economic expansion.

Good afternoon Ministers, Distinguished guests, athletes, coaches, family, supporters, and members of the media, and welcome to the Cabinet Office grounds. 

It is with great pride and appreciation that we gather here to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our athletes who have returned triumphant from the Special Olympic Games held last month in Berlin.