Government

The Cabinet Office invites Bermudian graduates to apply for a paid one-year internship within the Government of Bermuda London Office. Successful applicants will gain invaluable experience in assisting on the Government’s portfolio in the UK and Europe. This will also include first-hand experience assisting Bermuda’s diaspora on matters relating to Consular Affairs; engaging with other Overseas Territory Governments, the UK Government, and Parliament; and an opportunity to gain exposure in the UK and EU market through Government and Private Sector relationships.

Recently the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, The Hon. Tineé S. Furbert, JP, MP, and the Commissioner of Police Mr. Darrin Simons provided an update on the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) Model and The SafeLives Bermuda: Public Health Approach Report.

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

March’s volume of Retail Sales Index decreased 5.4 per cent compared to last year.  In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $101.9 million.

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

“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we continue our work to address the pothole issues caused by the recent heavy rainfall,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, in an update on the Ministry’s repair efforts.

The Minister thanks the public for their patience during this challenging period. Contrary to speculations, Minister Burch would like to clarify that the repair efforts have not been hampered by staff vacancies within the Department of Works and Engineering.

“The festive atmosphere at the Volunteer Appreciation Event and Opening of the 7^th Annual Student Art & Digital Competition at Masterworks on June 30^th showcased the creativity of Bermuda’s talented young artists and honoured volunteers as the heartbeat of our community.”  said The Minister of Social Development and Seniors, The Hon. Tinee Furbert JP, MP. 

The Premier, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, is in Trinidad and Tobago this week to attend the 45^th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government. 

The Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government is an annual event that gathers leaders from the 15 member states and five associate members in the Caribbean region. The conference serves as a platform for the heads of government to discuss and make decisions on matters related to regional cooperation, integration, and development.

Following their outstanding achievement at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport Sen. the Hon. Owen K. Darrell, JP, confirmed that plans are currently underway to publicly recognise Bermuda’s Special Olympians.

The Premier’s Concert will take place on July 9, 2023.

Hosted by the Department of Culture this year’s event is in keeping with the theme of celebrating Bermuda’s National Heroes.

Sunday’s event will showcase a lineup of local performers who will dedicate their performances to each of Bermuda’s eight National Heroes.

The Bermuda Post Office (BPO) is reminding the public that the Commemorative Stamp marking the Coronation His Majesty King Charles III is available for purchase.

As the public will recall, King Charles III was crowned on May 6^th at Westminster Abbey.

The Post Office produced one thousand (1,000) first day covers and this commemorative stamp was the first to be issued within the Commonwealth or the Overseas Territories.

The Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, held a press conference this morning regarding enhanced ferry service to St George’s.  Following Minister Furbert’s remarks, the area Members of Parliament, Renee Ming and Kim Swan and the Mayor of Corporation of St. George, Quinell Francis, gave brief comments.

REMARKS: The Hon. Wayne Furbert JP MP, Minister of Transport

Good morning.

“Embrace the challenges, for they will strengthen you. Seek knowledge, for it will guide you,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, as he addressed the young boys in the I AM programme, bringing together 70 boys from primary schools to foster positive ambitions and development.

Recently, the Ministry of National Security’s Gang Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) I Am Program hosted the Say It Loud Summit. 

“Our tourism product extends beyond the hotel. Restaurants and attractions are an essential component of the visitor experience and have long been associated with visitor satisfaction. This amended legislation will stimulate local investment in the delivery of an enhanced Bermudian product,” said the Minister of Tourism and the Cabinet Office, Vance Campbell, who reminded the public about the recently amended the Tourism Investment Act 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the outcome of successful negotiations with our largest Union partners.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will recall the Government of Bermuda has seven Collective Bargaining Agreements and/or instruments that set out conditions of employment with six Union partners or Associations representing around 4,400 or so public officers.

Mr. Speaker,

This morning I rise before this Honourable House to table the 2022 Annual Report of the Human Rights Commission as required under Section 30A(1) and 30A(2) of the Human Rights Act, 1981.

Mr. Speaker,

The Human Rights Commission has the statutory responsibility for protecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals in Bermuda. Additionally, as the National Human Rights Institution in Bermuda, the mission of the Human Rights Commission is, I quote: “A Bermuda that honours human rights for all”.

Mr. Speaker,

This morning I am delighted to provide this Honourable House with an update on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Joint Programme: “Building Back Equal through Innovative Financing for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” also referred to as the Building Back Equal Project. This week June 27th, marked one year since the Government entered into a landmark partnership agreement with the United Nations to participate in this joint programme, which supports Bermuda’s Economic Recovery Plan.

Mr. Speaker,

“I am proud to advise that the Economic Investment and Residential Certificate (EIRC) Policy continues to benefit Bermuda’s Economy by helping to support continued economic activity,” said the Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, regarding the latest updates on the policy’s success to date. “The objective of the EIRC is to fully harness Immigration as one of many tools for creating economic growth for Bermuda. So said, so done, as thus far, the EIRC program has brought about significant economic activity and helped market Bermuda as a place to reside and do business.”