Government

Good Afternoon to the Minister, the Secretary of the Corporation, the Council of the Corporation, the Mayor who is travelling, Parliamentary colleagues assembled, Mr Soares and the team, and members of the media

In the Government’s 2020 platform, we committed to enhancing the corporation and the community of St. George’s through development projects that would provide economic boosts for the area to enhance community pride and honour this town’s historical roots.

“As part of Bermuda’s ongoing Education Reform, we are pleased to announce that the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS), Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science (BIOS), Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI), KPMG in Bermuda and the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) have all signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) committing their support to the Signature Learning Programmes at Cedarbridge Academy and

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to share the Government’s continued efforts to provide invaluable opportunities for the next generation of workers. I am pleased to inform this Honorable House that the Department of Workforce Development’s Summer Employment Programme has increased the number of summer student placements available from 130 to 180 spaces for the 2023 programme.

Mr. Speaker,

This morning I rise to inform this Honourable House that the month of May is recognized as Foster Care Month, not just in Bermuda but throughout the United States. Each year, the Department of Child and Family Services has taken the opportunity to publicly recognize the important role that Foster Parents, Kinship Parents and Foster Care Workers play in supporting our children and their families. This year’s theme for the Foster Care awareness campaign is ‘Foster Bermuda’s Future’.

Mr. Speaker,

Mr. Speaker,

This morning I rise to inform my Honourable colleagues and the public about the development of a National Child Safeguarding Policy, entitled: “Working Together to Safeguard Children”. which is a guidance document for the Bermuda National Child Safeguarding Committee and sets direction for their mandate and work.

Mr. Speaker,

Good Afternoon – Deputy Premier & Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, JP, MP, Minister of Tourism & Cabinet Office, members of Bonnie-Jean’s family, Board Members, management and staff of the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

I am delighted that you all are able to join us this afternoon for such a joyous occasion – before we get to the primary reason for being here though – a little history is on order.

Harmony Club is one of several BHC sites being developed and upgraded as the Government creates jobs and increases the affordable housing stock.

Consumers paid 4.2 per cent more in February 2023 than 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 February 2023 CPI from the Department of Statistics.

“In summary, during February 2023, consumers paid 4.2 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 January 2023 annual inflation rate of 4.5 per cent.”

“The price at the pump for Gasoline as of Tuesday, May 16, 2023, is expected to remain at 234.1 cents/litre,” announced Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt. “This price is equal to the February 2022 level of 234.10 cents/litre, at which prices were capped for the last fourteen months while global prices soared.” Without the price cap the price at the pump would have been 238.1 cents/litre.

Diesel, for the second consecutive month, is below its original capped price of 212.2 cents/litre and is expected to be 207.2 cents/litre, 3.9 cents/litre lower at the pump this month.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Development, led by Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, paid a visit to the Bermudiana Beach Resort in Warwick this week to witness the progress made at the site.

World Hypertension Day is observed every May 17 to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection and control. More than one billion people worldwide live with hypertension (high blood pressure), a significant cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. 

The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, shares the following message about the significance of heart Health.

“It’s time to grab your favorite hat or cap and get ready because, on Wednesday, May 24th, we are hosting the 2nd Annual Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy ‘Hat Day’ Fundraiser,” said the Principal of Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, Ms. Margaret Phillips.

“After a successful ‘Hat Day’ in 2022, we decided this creative fundraiser will become an annual event.”

Yesterday (May 15), the Bermuda Road Safety Council launched Road Safety Week 2023. The Minister of Transport, the Hon Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, provided opening remarks.

This year’s theme is Changing Minds, Changing Behaviors. The Minister was joined by Bermuda Road Safety Council members, along with the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service and Bermuda Police Service.

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

Good afternoon,

The public is advised that there will be live coverage of the Bermuda College Commencement Ceremony Thursday, May 18, 2023, beginning at 2.30 pm.

The community can watch live via Government’s FaceBook and CITV Youtube channels.

Coverage will also be carried on CITV, One Comm Ch. 2, Wow Ch. 102, and Digicel Ch. 3.

Join us in celebrating this year’s Bermuda College graduates.
 

Last week, the Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, attended the annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) Meeting with elected Leaders of the Overseas Territories. The meetings took place in the UK and were chaired by the Rt. Hon. Lord Goldsmith, Minister of Overseas Territories. 

The Joint Ministerial Council is the highest political forum between the UK Government and Governments of the Overseas Territories.

As an outcome of the JMC, below is the Joint Communiqué which was issued on behalf of the attendees at the conclusion of the meetings.

Commissioner of Education Mrs. Kalmar Richards and acting Education Minister, the Hon. Walter Roban JP, MP,  today expressed disgust at acts of vandalism at the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy – Bermuda’s school for special needs students. 

The school was vandalised last week, causing extensive damage to the glass doors, windows, and other areas. 

The vandals also damaged a specially equipped bus owned by the charity Friends of Hope Academy, which transports students to curricular and extracurricular events.

“As we approach Elder Abuse Awareness Day, celebrated internationally on June 15th, Ageing and Disability Services will host a Seniors Tea to highlight the importance of social engagement in reducing the risk of elder abuse,” said Ms. Keeona Belboda Senior Abuse Registrar.

“Social isolation is a primary risk factor for abuse, so on June 9th from 1-4 pm in St. David’s at the Open Door Christian Assembly, we are looking to bring seniors together for a fun and informative event to raise awareness on this issue.”

“The 7th Annual Mirrors Student Art and Digital Competition is now accepting submissions until Friday, June 23rd. This year we are asking young artists to submit artwork in response to the theme, ‘My Happy Place,’” said Ms. Jeanene Todd, Programme Manager for The Mirrors Programme. 

“The competition is open to Primary, Middle, and Senior School students. Entries should be delivered to the Masterworks Museum no later than 5 pm on Friday, June 23rd, to be featured in the exhibit between June 30th – July 25th, 2023.” 

Good afternoon.

I am pleased to be here today for the official opening of the Hilton Hill Diabetes Centre.

The Bermuda Diabetes Association (BDA) has significantly impacted so many people in Bermuda. They have led our community to reduce the prevalence of diabetes.

Expanding your premises has allowed the BDA to create a purpose-built facility in the heart of North Hamilton which can support your growing programs and services to persons with diabetes or who are at risk.

Good day, Bermuda,

During May we celebrate Foster Care Month, and today the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors and the Department of Child and Family Services are delighted to present a campaign of love, ‘Foster Bermuda’s Future’.

Firstly, I want to thank the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) for helping to organize the ‘Foster Bermuda’s Future’ awareness campaign.

Under the authority of The Children Act 1998, DCFS is responsible for all child protection matters pertaining to young people ranging from newborns up until the age of eighteen (18).