Government

Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, said of last night’s murder in Paget: “First and foremost, my reflections are on the family of the victim. I will be meeting with the family today, and our Ministry team will be providing them with support as they deal with their loss.

“No one deserves to lose their life through such circumstances. I urge those who may have information about this incident to step up and assist the Police with their investigation.”

Consumers paid 5.1 per cent more in September 2022 than they did 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 September 2022 CPI from the Department of Statistics.

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

August’s retail sales decreased 4.8 per cent compared to last year.  In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $100.5 million.

Compared to the pre-pandemic period of August 2019, volume sales were 0.8 per cent higher.

Five of the seven sectors recorded growth in August 2022.  

“Your graduation from this programme is further proof that one can overcome adversity and deep pain – even while incarcerated,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, to seven male graduates of the Life Minus Violence programme at the Westgate Correctional Facility.

The curriculum for inmates involves a cognitive behavioural group work environment focused on reducing the risk of aggression within clients who have a history of chronic aggression.

“We are committed to engaging directly with our young people to hear about the issues and matters that are most important to them,” said the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Sen. the Hon. Owen Darrell in announcing a series of upcoming youth forums.

Over the next few weeks, the Zone-In Youth Forums will be held at the Department of Youth and Sport’s three community centres. And Bermuda’s young people are encouraged to attend any of the forums on the specified dates to share their views, feedback and ideas with Minister Darrell.

The dates are as follows:

Recently, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, JP, MP, represented Bermuda at the 2nd Caribbean ESG & Climate Financing Summit held on the 29 and 30 of November. 

Created in 2021 to accelerate the adoption of a new operating and financing ecosystem for the Caribbean Region, the event brings together borrowers, lenders and investors to normalise the use of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and climate finance region-wide. 

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House of the making of Bermuda’s first Protected Conservation Areas (“PCAs”).

Good morning Mr. Speaker,

Mr. Speaker,

This morning I rise to share with this Honourable House the activities that have been put in place in recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which, as declared by the United Nations, will be officially recognized on December 3^rd 2022.

Mr. Speaker,

Mr. Speaker,

This morning I rise before this Honourable House to lay the 2022 Audited Financial Statements for Bermuda College, as stipulated in Section 8 of the Bermuda College Act, 1974.

Mr. Speaker,

This morning I rise before this Honourable House to table the Annual Report of the Bermuda College for the year 2021-2022 as required under Section 8 (2) of the Bermuda College Act 1974.

Mr. Speaker,

Good Morning Mr Speaker. Later today in this Honourable House, I will introduce the Morgan’s Point Company Act 2022 for its first reading.

Mr Speaker, the history of the Morgan’s Point site is well known. Honourable Members will recall that a previously little-known expanse of privately owned land in Warwick called Southlands became a rallying point for local conservation when three Bermudians purchased it and outlined plans to transform that site into a hotel.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table for the information of this Honourable House the report entitled “Assessment of Self- governance Sufficiency in conformity with internationally-recognised standards”. This report, authored by Dr. Carlyle G. Corbin, on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, represents a marked advancement for the project of constitutional reform for Bermuda. Dr. Corbin’s distinguished qualifications are well established and already on record.

The Economic Development Department announced that today, the European Magazine published its recent video interview with the Premier of Bermuda, the Honourable David Burt, JP MP.

The interview was carried out for Chase Publishing’s the European Magazine by veteran reporter Georgie Frost, an award-winning freelance finance broadcaster who has worked for, among others, the Times, Business Reporter, talkRADIO, and BBC.

“I’m passionate about protecting our environment and committed to implementing plans and initiatives that encourage the growth and development of our economy and green initiatives,” said Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban, JP, MP, at the recent Youth Climate Summit held at B.U.E.I. 

 Now in its second year, the summit is a weeklong event held in November and open to students aged 13 to 22. It allows participants to hear from and speak with local and global experts, leaders, and activists in environmental conservation, sustainability, and climate justice. 

“The Ministry of Transport is committed to building a sustainable and fully electric transportation infrastructure that is safe for the environment,” said the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP. 

On Friday, 18 November, Premier David Burt and the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns, highlighted the importance of the public service engaging in health and wellness activities when they recognized officers who completed the Virgin Pulse Go initiative. 

Virgin Pulse Go, is a nine-week programme aimed at assisting employers worldwide in promoting a culture of health and well-being. Participants who register for the programme can do so individually or as a team and use a digital app to keep track of their progress.

“The Government of Bermuda recognises the critical importance that Information and Communication Technology plays not only in business but our daily lives,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP. 

Minister Weeks made the statement during the International Conference on Cyberlaw, Cybercrime & Cyber Security which was held last week. 

The conference, which saw leaders from around the world speak on cyber issues, aims to examine and analyse the emerging cyber law, cybercrime and cyber security trends facing countries today. 

“On Monday, November 28^th, at 12:30 pm on the steps of City Hall, we invite the public to join us for the Proclamation of the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3^rd, 2022),” said the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP.

Minister Furbert shared, “As part of their 2022-2023 Goals, the Disability Advisory Council (DAC) oversaw the planning and development of the 2022 United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) Week of Events.” 

Premier David Burt:

The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to share the following information, which mirrors that provided to the Association as recently as yesterday. Today, the Association has decided to spread significantly misleading information despite these facts.

“In observance of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which starts on Friday, November 25^th, I will UNiTE in solidarity with women from the public and private sectors who are activists for the prevention of violence against women and girls.” said the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP.