Local News From Every Source
Good day, Bermuda,
Thank you, Minister, for shining a light on Foster Care in Bermuda.
The Department of Child & Family Services has been observing Foster Care Month for over 20 years.
This year, we wanted to do something different with our recruitment drive, so we created ‘Foster Bermuda’s Future’ to spread awareness.
The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation is currently accepting applications for the High-Performance Sponsorship programme.
Applications for the High-Performance Sponsorship programme will be open until June 30th, 2023, for those who meet the criteria. To apply, persons can visit: www.youthandsport.bm.
The aim of the sponsorship is as follows:
To recognize Bermudian athletes who clearly demonstrate the commitment and performance as a high-performing athlete.
Tomorrow (May 11), the Department of Culture will host its 3rd Annual Cultural Stakeholder Conference, which will bring together key members of the island’s creative community.
The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Sen. Owen K. Darrell, JP, will open the event, which takes place at the Spinning Wheel Entertainment Complex from 6.00 pm. – 9.00 pm.
Tomorrow’s event is free and open to the public.
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is pleased to announce that new updates and improvements to enhance the user experience and productivity of the Bermuda Job Board are now live.
Launched in August 2022, the St. David’s Draft Community Plan is a collaboration between the St. David’s community, local stakeholders, the Department of Planning and the BLDC. The first Community Plan of its kind in Bermuda, it highlights what St. David’s Islanders most cherish about their island – the unique heritage and culture, the expanse and beauty of the parks and nature reserves, as well as the stunning scenery, and identifies the area’s challenges and what improvements are needed.
“We have received initial feedback from stakeholders, and now we look forward to getting broader input on the proposed recommendations,” said Minister of Public Works Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, as the Ministry launches the second phase of consultation over the regulatory structure governing water and wastewater.
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers tradespersons and individuals in the construction industry or seeking a career in these fields the opportunity to participate in a short four-day course to obtain a valuable qualification.
Participants will earn National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification aligning with international standards through one of six short four-day training courses held at the Department of Workforce Development on:
The Ministry of Health, Department of Environmental Health is offering asbestos abatement courses May 15 – 25.
“Asbestos is a respiratory hazard that is quite harmful, and anyone intending on working to remove asbestos must be properly trained,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “These courses are vital to ensuring that anyone working with asbestos remains safe.”
“If you desire a challenging but rewarding career that can lead to professional development and community appreciation, then I encourage you to apply to become a Corrections Officer,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP.
Minister Weeks’ remarks come as the Department of Corrections (DOC) launches its latest recruitment campaign for Corrections Officers. Applicants should apply via the Government Careers website by 17 May 2023.
In recognition of His Majesty King Charles III being crowned today (May 6), the Acting Governor Mr. Tom Oppenheim, MBE and the Acting Premier the Hon. Walter Roban, JP, MP formally opened the Coronation Gardens at the Botanical Gardens this morning.
The creation of the Coronation Garden reflects His Majesty King Charles III’s work in support of the environment and sustainable farming. It is part of the Micro Forest Project, which is a native and endemic reforestation project from the Bermuda Zoological Society which began in November 2021.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the strengthening of the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable members will know the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard launched in February 2020 as a marine force for the protection and security of Bermuda’s inshore waters, including 24- hour Search and Rescue capability.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I announce the distinct achievement of the Department of Public Transportation team who won the Best E-Mobility Project Award at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) for the progress of the electrification of the public bus fleet. This is a significant accomplishment for the Department and Bermuda and a testament to our commitment towards a more sustainable future.
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to provide this House and the listening public with an update on Education Reform. I want to take this time to remind honourable members that Education Reform is critical to our country’s success and provides our students with the tools necessary to thrive and succeed in their own country.
Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
In the 2022 Speech from the Throne the Government committed to expanding the Child Daycare Allowance programme, and continuing work to reform Financial Assistance. Today, I am pleased to table in this honourable house the financial assistance reform policy paper which maps out the framework to strengthen the social protections for Bermudians. The changes will assist Bermudians with maintaining a dignified standard of living.
Mr. Speaker, I rise briefly to remind this Honourable House that tomorrow is the much-anticipated coronation of King Charles III, an event that is expected to attract an audience in the hundreds of millions.
Mr. Speaker, the new British monarch was born Charles Philip Arthur George Mountbatten-Windsor in Buckingham Palace in 1948, the eldest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Last week, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Sen. the Hon. Owen K. Darrell, JP, joined Mosaic Insurance and local artists to paint a vibrant mural on the exterior wall of the Sammy Wilson Central Zone Community Centre (SWCZCC).
The outdoor creative project served several purposes; it helped to add vibrancy to the SWCZCC following a recent period of refurbishment; it’s in keeping with the “Public Art on Government Buildings” project; and it provided a way for the Mosaic Insurance team to give back to the community.
The Employment (Minimum Hourly Wage) Order 2023 (the “Order”), which comes into effect on 1 June 2023, will see the first national minimum hourly wage rate set at $16.40, benefitting all low-income earners. This monumental step ensures employees in Bermuda have the right to a minimum wage. As highlighted in the 2020 Speech from the Throne, this Government is committed to ensuring employees receive a dignified wage.
Today, I am pleased to recognise International Workers Day and take this opportunity to inform the public of the newly created Department of Labour, which will replace the current Labour Relations Section of the Ministry of Economy and Labour.
Today, the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns, announced the assignment of Lieutenant Colonel Edward J. Lamb to the post of Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of National Security.
Lt. Col. Lamb’s assignment becomes effective May 9, 2023.
Lt. Col Lamb joins the Ministry of National Security following his service as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and the Cabinet Office. He assumes his new role following the retirement of Mr. Christopher Farrow last week.