Government

The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport is pleased to advise that work on the government-owned netball courts at Bernard’s Park is nearly complete.

The Ministry notes that due to increased use and harsh weather conditions, the court has experienced its share of wear and tear over the last several months.

However, repair works are moving along swiftly to ensure that the courts are ready for the upcoming netball season.

The Ministry of National Security urges the public to remain vigilant as Post Tropical Cyclone Idalia moves near Bermuda over the holiday weekend.

As of the 12 noon advisory from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS), Bermuda remains under a Tropical Storm Watch. While Idalia is no longer classified as a Tropical Storm, it will still bring high winds and unfavourable weather conditions over the weekend, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.

All Bermuda Public Schools will open for students on Monday, September 11, as scheduled, the Ministry of Education announced today.

Logistical challenges encountered with the new construction works at Purvis Primary and Francis Patton schools have delayed the completion of new classrooms, but contingency arrangements will be put in place.

Meetings were held this week for Purvis and Francis Patton Primary School parents, during which the contingency plans were re-presented and endorsed by both school communities. 

Consumers paid 3.1 per cent more in May 2023 than they did a year ago for the basket of goods and services included in the Consumer Price Index [CPI].

The Ministry of Economy and Labour released the May 2023 CPI from the Department of Statistics.

“In summary, during May 2023, consumers paid 3.1 per cent more than they did a year ago for the basket of goods and services included in the CPI. This level of inflation declined from the April 2023 annual inflation rate of 3.8 per cent.”

The Department of Marine & Ports Services is advising that the Blue ferry service route has been suspended due to the deteriorating weather conditions.

The Blue route will resume tomorrow (Thursday August 31).

However, the Green and Pink routes are operating as scheduled.

The Orange route is suspended due to maintenance.

The Department of Marine & Ports apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Please note that the next weather update will be at 6.00 p.m. from the Bermuda Weather Service.  

The Minister of Legal Affairs has issued the attached Public Notification of Information on the pending release of Neville Craig Richardson.

Pursuant to section 329H of the Criminal Code 1907, the Minister of Legal Affairs is empowered to disclose information in relation to sex offenders who are considered to present a risk of significant harm to the health or safety of the public, an affected group of people or an individual.

As Bermuda begins to feel the effects of Hurricane Franklin, the Ministry of National Security provided some reminders following the 12.00 noon Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) update.

Currently, Franklin is a category 2 hurricane.

The Ministry advised of the following:

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.