Government

Tips to Beat the Heat

“Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the season. But, as our temperatures rise, we must be careful and stay hydrated and cool to avoid heat-related illness,” advised Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I encourage everyone to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and avoid staying in the sun for too long.”

Here are some tips for seniors, children and people working outside to stay safe in the heat:

Stay Hydrated

The Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform is pleased to announce the official launch of the newly designed Consumer Affairs Website. As part of the design and development of the new website, deliberate attention was taken regarding the technological needs of the public and the issues faced by Bermudian residents when utilising online/electronic educational platforms. The website aims to bridge the “digital divide” experienced by users with reading or educational limitations restricting their ability to educate themselves on their consumer rights. 

The Office of the Tax Commissioner advises that E-tax filing for the period of April, May and June has been extended until July 20, 2023.

Mandatory e-filers are reminded that they are required to file online.  To set up filing online, please visit www.etax.gov.bm and select Register.

New and existing restaurants, visitor excursions and attractions, and cultural sites and artistic activities that cater to the tourism experience are encouraged to learn more about the amended Tourism Investment Act 2017.

The public is reminded that the Minister of Tourism and the Cabinet Office, Vance Campbell is currently engaging directly with industry partners to highlight the benefits of the TIA 2017.

“It was most gratifying to meet and congratulate the scholarship award recipients receiving $350,000 in funding for overseas tertiary education in high-demand occupations needed in the local workforce,” said the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, at a brief ceremony held to recognise the Department of Workforce Development 2023 scholarship recipients.

Last week (July 14), Premier David Burt and the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns recognized the Ministry of Social Development & Seniors’ Ageing and Disability Services (ADS) team as the recipients of the June 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 Government of Bermuda London Office is pleased to recognise Mr. Frankco Harris and Ms. Jessica Sharpe who have recently completed their internship placement in London.

Both were successful applicants in the previous Internship Program and demonstrated a passion for public service and Bermuda’s engagement in international affairs.

Attached are their statements highlighting their experience within the London Office and detailing the skills and knowledge they have both gained.

“A selfless servant of the people, who was committed to uplifting the lives others,” said Premier David Burt following the passing of Martha Dismont, MBE.
Premier Burt said, “I join with many in the community in reflecting on the incredible life of Martha Dismont.”

“I join the family of Martha Dismont and many others across the island in mourning the loss of this stalwart of our community for her enormous and everlasting contribution to advancing the lives of others and improving our society,” said Minister Hayward, following the passing of Martha Dismont, MBE.

“The Government of Bermuda extends congratulations to the Child Development Programme (CDP) for obtaining accreditation from the Bermuda National Standards Committee (BNSC). Thank you to the dedicated team at CDP who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone and to the parents and community stakeholders who wholeheartedly support CDP, you are deeply appreciated.” said the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP. 

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the public with an update on the upgrade of the island’s Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Network.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members may be aware that in 1999, the first public CCTV system was implemented in Bermuda. In 2014, the CCTV network was upgraded to incorporate island-wide coverage at a cost of $3,910,737.91, plus a five (5) year managed maintenance contract that cost $2,525,600.40.

Mr Speaker, in this Government’s 2017 Election Platform, we pledged that we would increase pension benefits by the rate of inflation and earlier today, with the tabling of the Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) Order, I am pleased to announce that it is a promise that this Government is proud to keep, just as we have done since 2017!

Mr Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with an update on the latest estimates relating to the 2022/23 Budget arising from the extensive work done to prepare for the audit of the Consolidated Fund.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with an overview of the status of the East End Water and Wastewater Infrastructure project.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to inform this Honourable House of the outcome of the Bermuda Tourism Authority activity in accordance with the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts to be tabled in this Honourable House today.

The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, Sen. Owen K. Darrell, JP, met with Bermuda football legend and former English Premier League player Shaun Goater, MBE.

 Today’s relaxed meet and greet was an opportunity for the Minister to discuss local football, youth development and sports in general with one of Bermuda’s most recognizable athletes.

Save the date Bermuda. On July 18, starting at 12.00 p.m., the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport will have a series of celebration activities to recognize the achievement of Bermuda’s Special Olympians at the World Games in Berlin last month.

With the implementation of the national minimum hourly wage and considering the number of queries received from the public, employers and employees, the Ministry of Economy and Labour takes this opportunity to reiterate that domestic workers, whether full-time or part-time and living in or out of their employer’s home, are entitled to receive the minimum hourly wage rate of $16.40 as of 1 June 2023.

Tomorrow night (Wednesday, July 12, 2023) at 8 pm, there will be a Beating of the Retreat Ceremony on the Cabinet Office Grounds in Hamilton. This colourful pageant of military music, popular tunes, and precision drill is performed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums, Bermuda Islands Pipe Band and the Bermuda Highland Dancers.

 All are welcomed to attend.