Government

Last week, the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, and the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Vance Campbell, JP, MP, hosted a meeting with the Air Service Development Team. The discussions centred around key topics such as enhancing air service operations during the shoulder months of November to March, marketing plans, capacity projections, fostering relationships with potential air service providers and assessing hotel occupancy during winter.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour is pleased to advise that the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Graduate Trainee Programme.

The success of this programme continues, with the three Graduate Trainee Programmes held thus far providing thirty-three (33) recent college/university graduates with coaching, employability skills training and one-on-one support to develop their personal brand. Participants also have the opportunity to gain industry experience in their area of study.

The Economic Development Department (the EDD) is pleased to launch this year’s edition of its annual Reverse Pitch Competition, an Island-wide technology competition for Bermuda’s high-school students and an exciting opportunity for high school students interested in technology and innovation.

Greetings Bermuda.

As we gather today in recognition of Labour Day – a day dedicated to honouring the hardworking men and women of our country – I am filled with pride and optimism for the future that lies ahead.

We gather today to celebrate the contributions of workers past and present. Through their extraordinary sacrifices and achievements, these workers have made invaluable contributions to our country. Their labour has made Bermuda what it is today.

Good Morning, Brothers and Sisters of the Bermuda Industrial Union, Bermuda Public Services Union, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Fire Services Association, Electricity Supply Trade Union, Bermuda Entertainment Union, Prison Officers Union, Bermuda Police Association and good morning to the workers and people of Bermuda.

Despite Post Tropical Cyclone Idalia moving away from our island, we continue to prioritise safety and caution as strong winds and unsettled weather linger in our area today.

Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks reassures residents: “While Idalia is on its way out, our commitment to your safety remains unwavering. We urge everyone to exercise a high level of caution, especially when travelling on our roads.”

Idalia is located in our south-southeast, and the next weather update from BWS is scheduled for 3.00 p.m. 

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.