Government

 The Ministry of Home Affairs refutes the Bermuda Farmers Association’s claim that this year’s potato harvest will be less than last year’s and reaffirms that the necessary processes are in place to protect the island’s environment, agriculture production, and the farmers themselves. 

Today, the Ministry of Economy and Labour released the November 2022 Retail Sales Index.

November’s retail sales volume increased 0.1 per cent compared to last year.  In value terms, retail sales rose to an estimated $98.0 million.

Four of the seven sectors recorded volume increases in November 2022.  

Motor Vehicle Stores’ sales volume increased 5.6 per cent due to a higher volume of automobile sales than the previous year.  This sales level was 5.5 per cent above the sales volume in November 2019 before the pandemic.

“It is critical that we are able to adequately respond to major incidents,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, as he opened a course organised by the UK’s College of Policing to train local Government officials to respond to significant incidents.

The four-day Multi-Agency Gold Commander course at the Police Recreation Club last week, was aimed at all departments and agencies that sit on the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) Executive or work with the EMO Executive.

On Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023, the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason P. Hayward JP, MP, held a brief ceremony to award nine welder tradesmen with their welder ID cards and National Certification Certificate for successfully completing the welder’s practical assessment test, administered by the Canadian Welding Bureau assessment team. 

Whether through education or public service scholarships, summer employment opportunities, internships, mentoring or graduate training, the Bermuda Government has always maintained its commitment to supporting Bermuda’s young people. 

And through the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation (DYS&R) the Government is looking to help more of Bermuda’s youth by providing grant and investment support.

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to announce the commencement of the new LED initiative, with which this Government is giving back in quite a literal sense to the people of Bermuda. In July 2022, the Government announced the LED initiative as part of the $15,000,000 stimulus package, and now, we are delivering.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide this honourable house with an update on the Island wide CCTV project.

Mr. Speaker, you will recall that in the 2021 speech from the Throne this Government committed to advance a new island-wide CCTV system, to include newer features to assist the police in tackling road traffic offences and violent crime.

Mr Speaker, last year November, following my appointment as the Transport Minister, I stated my three high priorities; they were number one -air service development, number two- air service development and number three- air service development. Based on that I am sure most of you can guess what my number 4 priority is. Increasing air service and securing airlift during the winter is of significant importance to the residents and visitors alike.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to advise that the grey seal pup continues to respond to treatment, and its condition is improving.

The BAMZ team are cautiously optimistic as the seal remains in critical but stable condition. The seal’s appetite has improved, and he can navigate his enclosure for short periods and natural bodily functions to remove waste are returning, which is a good sign.

While many of its symptoms are slowly resolving and likely resulting from exhaustion, BAMZ is presently investigating a nasal discharge.

“The Ministry of Health is considering vaccinating individuals at higher risk of Mpox exposure,” announced Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “To gauge community interest, we have created an optional survey interest form. Starting today and for the next two weeks, Bermuda residents can complete the interest form for the Mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS, by visiting https://forms.gov.bm/MPoxSurvey/”

The Occupational Safety and Health Office is reminding all employers that the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 2009 require every employer to submit an annual report of the number of accidents, dangerous occurrences and injuries that occurred at the workplace during the calendar year, January to December. 

Good afternoon – I am delighted to be here today to highlight key initiatives for the Ministry of Public Works as outlined in the national Budget last Friday.

As you already know, the Ministry is responsible for the Island’s critical infrastructure, including roads, sewage, waste collection, water supply, quangos and by extension Municipalities, lands and parks, among other areas. These areas are Bermuda’s essential resources, which is our responsibility to sustain and play a crucial role in our Path to Continued Economic Growth.

“I am committed to addressing the growing number of canine-related incidents, especially those involving pitbull breeds,” said Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, following a recent meeting with canine and animal stakeholders, to discuss and learn how participants and their organizations could contribute to improved management of canines and public safety.

Joining Minister Roban in the meeting was:

“Demonstrating our commitment to our children and our future, we are continuing to make significant strides with Education Reform,” said the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP. 

“On Friday, I will table the Education (Primary Schools) Temporary Act 2023 Bill. This Bill will establish parish primary schools and support the opening of the first two parish primary schools, Francis Patton and Purvis Primary, in September 2023.” 

“Being aware of your rights and obligations is one of the most important things employees and employers can do. It helps prevent and resolve disputes regarding workplace entitlements and generates more reliable and productive working environments,” said Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward, JP, MP, following his Ministry’s latest publication, ‘A Guide to Working in Bermuda’.