Government

The Ministry of Public Works would like to advise the public of the upcoming waste and recycling collection schedule over the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays.

Christmas day and Boxing Day will be observed on Monday, 26 December, and Tuesday, 27 December. 

 As a result, during Christmas week:

“The 2023 cruise ship season projections are very promising, and we are on course to return or potentially exceed pre-pandemic levels. Our team is preparing for 224 calls with seven scheduled next month commencing with the arrival of the Norweigan Gem on January 4,” said Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert.

“The role of the men and women in the Customs Department will be crucial as we strengthen our resources against illicit drugs and weapons,” declared Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, as he inspected the LF Wade International Airport’s Customs operations.

 Minister Weeks’ recent visit was a continuation of his undertaking to learn about the key departments and functions within the Ministry of National Security.

Good afternoon.

As we head into the festive holiday season, we are reminding the public to take precautions to avoid catching the flu, coronavirus or Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses prevalent during colder weather.

We all want to enjoy this holiday season free and clear of any illnesses, and we especially do not want to catch and spread COVID. However, unfortunately COVID is still out there in our community.

“Spending time with our young people to understand their perspective is invaluable as we begin to peel back the layers behind the community violence crisis,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, as he interacted with a group of young people participating in the Mirrors Programme.

The Minister was present at the Bermuda Industrial Union’s headquarters last week for the Programme’s monthly session with young people, who told him directly about what life is like for them as young people in Bermuda and the impact of violence on their lives.

More than 130 individuals attended the 2^nd Annual Hospitality Recruitment Drive, that took place yeaterday (Dec. 14), at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. 

The event, which was a partnership with the Department of Workforce Development, Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) and the Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA), showcased a variety of career opportunities in the hospitality/hotel industry for the upcoming 2023 season.

Recently Premier David Burt and the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns recognized the Bermuda Government’s Employee Wellness Committee as November’s recipients of the Public Service Excellence Award (PSEA).

“Following my visit to Clearwater and the Airport Fire stations, I was pleased to meet with the new Bermudian recruits at Central Station as they undergo training.” said Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, following his meeting with new recruits and a tour of the Hamilton Fire Station recently. 

Minister Weeks was given the walkabout alongside the Acting Chief Fire Officer and other officials within the BFRS.

The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors is reminding the public that the deadline for applying to be a part of the United Nations (UN) Women’s Equality and Empowerment programme is fast approaching.

And Minister Tinee Furbert is urging interested individuals to visit the UN web links (see below) to sign up. Two positions of note seeking Bermudian participation include:

• Researcher to conduct Needs Assessment on Financial Instruments for Women-owned MSMEs

Application Deadline – 20 December 2022

“In a recent statement, JetBlue announced daily nonstop service from LaGuardia starting in Spring 2023, opening up greater access to New York and more potential for connections beyond,” said Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert.

The deadline to apply for the payroll tax rebate for workers is this Thursday, December 15^th. The payroll tax rebate is available for eligible persons making less than $96,000 per the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) (Salary Based Benefit) Regulations 2022.

“75% of Bermuda’s workforce is eligible to apply for this payroll benefit and I encourage anyone who is eligible and has not applied to do so immediately. The process is easy.” said Premier and Finance Minister, David Burt.

Human Rights Day falls on December 10th each year in honour of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  

We invite you to listen to our Human Rights Day message attached, as we recognize the equal DIGNITY and WORTH of every person, as referenced in Bermuda’s Human Rights Act, 1981.

Mr. Speaker, the shadow of community violence is heavy over the Island today as another family mourns the loss of young life. The sound of gunshots shattered the peace of a Paget neighbourhood in this season of goodwill and in the wake of this terrible incident of violence, we must again seek to comfort a family who today have more questions than answers. The support we are providing from the Ministry of National Security will be strengthened by this House and the community keeping this family as the focus of our compassion at this incredibly difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House of the deserving public officer recognized as the Employee of the Year and to acknowledge Public Service Excellence Awards special category winners. The awards were presented at the Public Service Excellence Awards year-end celebration hosted earlier this week.

Mr Speaker, I am grateful for your indulgence to present this lengthy statement this morning. It is an honour to rise today on behalf of the Goverment, in our last sitting of 2022, to provide an Economic & Fiscal Update to this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda. This statement will cover the latest report from the Fiscal Responsibility Panel, the Government’s mid-year financial performance, and the Government’s Pre-Budget Report tabled moments ago.

Mr. Speaker,

Today I would like to provide this Honourable House with an update on the progress we are making towards updating the Intellectual Property legislation for Bermuda. Members of this Honourable House will be aware that modernization of the legislative framework governing intellectual property rights was featured in the 2022 Throne Speech.

Mr. Speaker,