Government

“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.”

“Clearwater Middle School students produced a captivating film about the life and legacy of Mary Prince and the Ministry is delighted to recognize the extraordinary creativity of these young minds,” said the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP. 

Under the guidance of their Social Studies Teacher, Ms. Shimane Furroze, several M1 – M3 students created an original piece called The Mary Prince Movie, a black and white film that was written, produced, directed and acted by the students.

The Department of Parks’ Lifeguard Service continues to observe Portuguese Man of War along South Shore Park beaches in recent days.  

The Department of Parks wishes to advise beachgoers and the swimming public to exercise caution in or near the ocean. 

Portuguese Man of War can be identified with their bluish/purplish gas-filled float on top of the water. 

Their in-water tentacles are often not seen, making them a deadly predator for small fish and extremely painful upon human contact. 

“Response times are still within optimal expectations, and the BFRS maintains very high standards of response as well as providing excellent triage attention to medical emergencies.” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP.

We are ensuring that the BFRS has the necessary resources to carry out its duties effectively and efficiently. The Government recruited ten local firefighters earlier this year to bolster the BFRS ranks, and there are plans for additional recruitment.”

The Department of Health held its annual Healthy Schools Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 14th June, at the Bermuda Society of Arts, City Hall. These awards are for schools that consistently promote healthy nutrition, eating and wellness among their students and staff. Fifteen public and private schools and eight government preschools were reviewed as part of the Healthy Schools programme.

“Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell is at the forefront of this ceremony, who recently assumed his role as the leader of this department after years of dedicated service”, said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, during a Pinning Ceremony for the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service.

 The ceremony, at the Hamilton Fire Station on Friday, saw 12 recently-promoted officers, including Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell, formally receive their pins or badges representing their new ranks.

The Department of Youth & Sport is encouraging all young people over the age of 18 to attend the next “Zone-In” community engagement event.

Zone-In 18+ will take place June 29, 6.00pm, at the Young Men’s Social Club’s Blue Diamond Lounge. This event promises to be a lively forum aimed at giving Bermuda’s young adults an opportunity to express their views, concerns and ideas as it relates to Bermuda.

“We have the pleasure of bringing our first international Signature Learning Partner into the Bermuda Public School System family – Koom Consulting, an international water treatment and management consultancy founded by one of Bermuda’s own, Tarik Smith. As part of this Signature Learning Partnership, Koom Consulting will support the STEM Signature at Cedarbridge Academy and the Health & Social Care Signature at the Berkeley Institute,” said the Minister of Education, the Hon Diallo Rabain, JP, MP. 

Earlier today, Premier David Burt signed the Book of Condolence in tribute to the late Ottiwell Simmons. 

As a reminder, the Condolence Book is available for signing tomorrow, Saturday June 24^th from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at Victor Scott Primary School.

Observed today (22 June), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) describes Ocean Science Day as “A traditional part of the Assemblies of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Ocean Science Day brings together panels, lectures and discussions on emerging issues that require international collaboration in marine science and technology.

“I was delighted to celebrate this incredible initiative that has improved the lives of seven young people and positively impacted Bermuda’s Hospitality and Tourism industry”, said the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, recognising the graduation of seven students from Bacardi’s Shake Your Future program.

The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) is ready for this season, and the Government is prepared to face any potential challenges,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP.

The EMO recently convened an Executive Meeting to discuss the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season.

The meeting served as a critical preparatory measure to ensure the safety and well-being of Bermuda’s residents during potentially severe weather events.

Chief Justice Narinder Hargun has advised Her Excellency the Governor of his intention to retire at the end of 2023, having been appointed in July 2018.

Her Excellency has instructed the Judicial and Legal Services Committee to begin the appointment process for the next Chief Justice. The appointment will be made by the Governor under Section 73(3) of the Bermuda Constitution Order 1968.

It is anticipated that the post will be advertised both locally and internationally.

Due to a water outage, the Department of Workforce Development will close its office at 23 Parliament Street, Hamilton, to walk-in customers at 12.15 pm today.

The issue is being addressed, and the Department of Workforce Development apologizes to its customers for any inconvenience caused.

Regular office hours will resume tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker,

The impact of the global pandemic means that like all other businesses, the cost of operating child day care services in Bermuda has increased, resulting in added financial pressures being placed on families.

The increasing cost of childcare has added to the economic stresses for parents. As a result, the Ministry will increase the Childcare allowance benefits and expand the pool of parents who can qualify. These amendments will provide many families the opportunity to afford suitable childcare for their children.

Mr Speaker and Honourable Members,

I rise today to provide COVID-19 Public Information and Guidance.

Unfortunately, there is evidence of increasing COVID-19 infections in the community. However, the good news is that we are better positioned to manage the outbreaks because of the high vaccination rates and a less deadly virus strain.

Mr. Speaker,

Mr Speaker and Honourable Members,

I rise today to announce the launch of a one-of-a-kind Public Health Information App by the Department of Health, called Healthy People Bda.

Mr. Speaker,

In our increasingly digitized world, we are ever more dependent on the Internet and Information Technology to process our sensitive information and support critical services. These technologies represent significant economic and social opportunities for Bermuda. However, they also represent increasing risks that we must address. The cyber threats we face continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, with potentially devasting effects.

Mr. Speaker,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House of the steps required to obtain a death certificate.

I begin by acknowledging the fact that the loss of a life is never easy to accept. The Bermuda population is not immune to death, and as a small jurisdiction we experience our share of deaths, not just the deaths of local residents, but also the deaths of visitors to the island.

Good Day to members of the Media and the listening public

I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Economy and Labour is releasing a national Economic Development Strategy for Bermuda. The Economic Development Strategy sets out a roadmap which provides a clear path to guide Bermuda to sustainable economic growth and development.

The Strategy seeks to build an economy that creates: