Government

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.  

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.