Government

“This was an excellent start to addressing the challenge an ageing population will bring to Bermuda”, said Minister Hayward following the recent round table discussion on the topic. 

The discussion entitled “Addressing the Challenge of an Ageing Population in Bermuda” and hosted by the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon Jason Hayward, JP, MP, aired live on Facebook, YouTube and CITV on September 29. 

Moderated by Mrs Ianthia Simmons-Wade, MP, the expert panellists included: 

Community Violence Workshop for Stakeholders 

 “You may have heard me publicly state over and over that this problem is a community problem, not a Police problem. I meant it then, and I mean it now,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks as he addressed a two-day workshop discussing community violence.

Good morning,

I sincerely thank each of you for heeding the clarion call and being here today. I appreciate it.

This national security strategic session was born out of the idea that if these community violence issues are ever going to be addressed, then crucial stakeholders and those on the front lines of the response to this problem, needed to be brought together in one room for some candid discussion. But not just to talk, but to propose real solutions to this pandemic.

Good Morning Minister, members of the legislature, members of Clergy, Commissioners of Police and Education, and everyone here today to participate in this vital two-day workshop focused on understanding the violence in our community.

Last week, Premier David Burt and the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns recognized the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) Marine Development Team (MDT) of Dr. Tammy Warren, Andrew Petit, Sarah Manuel, Joanna Pitt, Philip Worboys, and Jirani Welch as the August recipients of the Public Service Excellence Award (PSEA).

The PSEA is a programme recognizes Public Officers who are demonstrating admirable service delivery. Each month an individual or team is selected for their significant accomplishments in the last 60 days.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House and the general public of the progressive steps being made to formalize the Gender Affairs Council. According to the United Nations, any gender council has a basic moral and strategic imperative to ensure that all people, regardless of their gender, can realize their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, some may recall that in 2008, the Government officially added gender equity to the Department of Human Affairs mandate, and approval was granted to establish an Equity Council for Bermuda.

MR SPEAKER

I rise this morning to update this Honourable House and the listening public on the Government’s $150 Relief Initiative for parents and guardians who have children enrolled in the public school system. The $150 Relief is part of the Government’s overall $15 million economic relief package to ease the financial burden on working families in Bermuda.

MR SPEAKER

Mr. Speaker, today I am tabling the Bill entitled: the “Fuels Bill 2022”. This Bill is a watershed moment in the regulation of fuel in Bermuda, as first and foremost it moves the responsibility for the regulation of fuels under the auspices of the Regulatory Authority.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the Bermuda Fire Rescue Service Airport Operations Division.

Mr. Speaker, you will recall that I made a statement to this Honourable House on the 1^st July of this year advising of the revised requirements for the Bermuda Fire Rescue Service at the Airport.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker,

I am elated to rise today to present to this Honourable House on initiatives the Government has undertaken to promote and support our youth.

Mr. Speaker,

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide a further update on the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy Facility.

Honourable members may recall in February of this year, the then Acting Minister advised this House on the One Hundred and Fifty Million dollars (BMD $150,000,000.00) Capital Programme for the refurbishment of the Waste to Energy facility and the commencement of said programme.

Government House today announced that RFA TIDEFORCE, a ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is visiting Bermuda’s waters for a brief stopover. The purpose of the visit is to give its crew a period of rest before continuing on out to sea.

While here, a Royal Navy helicopter from RFA TIDEFORCE will conduct familiarisation flights over across the island. This was last done in 2020 and is a key part of the ongoing hurricane preparedness plan for Bermuda. The helicopter will also conduct offshore training with the ROYAL BERMUDA REGIMENT COAST GUARD.

As first promised in July, Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt today introduced legislation to drop duty rates on a list of 21 essential goods.

Premier Burt said: “Since the House rose just before Cup Match, we have been working on concrete measures to address the cost of living. As I said then, the cost of food is increasing and the Government is committed to reducing the price for essential goods that many families must buy weekly.”

The Bill tabled today is the Customs Tariff Amendment (No.3) Act 2022.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour’s Economic Development Department (EDD) is pleased to advise that as part of Tech Education Day, students across Bermuda are invited to join the virtual Blockchain on the Beach to be held on October 7-9, 2022, for free.

Mr Speaker, Bermuda’s economy continues to be driven by international business. This summer we saw a record number of young Bermudians enter the industry as interns, graduate trainees or full time employees in the various sectors. The growth encountered in international business provides significant positive impact on the local economy. In the wake of the worldwide restrictions on travel and in-person meetings, there is a renewed sense of urgency to reconnect again and the Government of Bermuda must re-engage with the industry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with an update the  work being carried out by the Ministry of Finance. In the first instance, I would like to advise of the latest estimates relating to the 2021/22 Budget arising from the extensive work done to prepare for the audit of the Consolidated Fund.

Following significant demand from members of the public after last week’s passage of Hurricane Fiona, the Ministry of Public Works has decided to extend its waiver of fees related to the commercial disposal of horticultural waste.

This waiver, effective only for the Marsh Folly site in Pembroke, has been extended until Saturday, 8 October. The standard fees associated with commercial horticultural waste disposal will be reinstated on Monday, 10 October.

The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets announced today that the Parish Councils Amendment Bill 2022 will be tabled in the House of Assembly tomorrow, September 30, 2022.

Minister Peets said, “Parish Councils serve our community well, and we have been working to review their governance arrangements.

“This Bill will resolve some inconsistencies identified in the Parish Councils Act and enhance governance of the Councils.”

The amendments brought about by this Bill aim to achieve five things:

The Ministry of Public Works reminds the public to tune in to the Government of Bermuda Facebook page this evening, Wednesday, 28 September, for a live video presentation on its water sector consultation.

 From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. hosts J. Tarik Christopher, from the Ministry of Public Works, and John Ikeda from Castalia Advisors, will discuss the consultation and take questions from viewers. It will be moderated by Tari Trott from the Department of Communications.

Good day to members of the media and the listening public. 

Today, I am pleased to announce that the Bermuda economy grew 5.4 per cent in real terms to total $6.3 billion in 2021. Bermuda’s Economy is rebounding strongly from the economic downturn experienced in 2020.

Although we are not back to pre-pandemic economic activity, positive economicperformance was recorded as fourteen of the nineteen industry groups’ experienced economic expansion. At current prices, GDP increased by 5.8 per cent in 2021.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour will host a round table discussion entitled “Addressing the Challenge of an Ageing Population in Bermuda” on Thursday, 29 September, at 6:00 p.m. that will air live on Facebook, YouTube and CITV. 

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 2701 test results, and 32 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 1%.

These results are from testing done on:

·Tuesday: 2 positive out of 653 results (0.3% positivity)

· Wednesday:  5 positive out of  491 results (1.0% positivity)

·Thursday: 5 positive out of 298 results (1.7% positivity)

·Friday: 0 positive out of 11 results (0.0% positivity)

·Saturday: 5 positive out of 374 results (1.3% positivity)

·Sunday: 6 positive out of 356 results (1.7% positivity)

The Ministry of Public Works is advising members of the public that effective Tuesday, 20 September, the wearing of face masks in Government buildings was made optional. 

However, people with medical vulnerabilities are encouraged to wear masks if physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The Department of Parks, and the Ministry of Public Works, wish to advise the public of the current status of South Shore beaches following the passage of Hurricane Fiona.

Following checks conducted by the Parks Department this morning,  a ministry spokesperson said, “At this time, it has been assessed that there are several beaches which have suffered significant erosion of beach sand along the South Shore, and the exposed rocks present a hazard to beach goers.

The Department of Child and Family Services is appealing to the community to join their vibrant pool of families who take care of children of all ages. 

A Department spokesperson said, “On Friday, September 30th, between 11 am and 2 pm in the Lower Level of the Washington Mall, we will be facilitating a ‘Foster Parent Recruitment Table.’” 

The Ministry of Finance today [September 25] confirmed that Mrs Dionne Morrison-Shakir has been appointed Accountant General for the Bermuda Government, effective August 1 2022.

Mrs Morrison-Shakir is a chartered accountant with over 20 years of post-qualification experience. She holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from Manchester Business School.

Minister of Health to layout timeline for Ending Public Health Emergency and Changes to Mask Regulations and Border Testing requirements during Friday’s House of Assembly Session

The Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP, today announced that on Friday, September 30 in the House of Assembly, the Government will table a final extension to the Public Health Emergency to end on November 30th. The Ministry of Health will not seek an extension of the public health emergency beyond the end of November.

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, has provided the following post-hurricane update. 

Minister Rabain said, “Following Hurricane Fiona, all public school buildings have been assessed to safely re-open.”  

“The Ministry and Department of Education are pleased to report that all schools will be open tomorrow, Monday, September 26th, for in-person learning.” 

With the passing of Hurricane Fiona, the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) stood down yesterday afternoon, and the Regiment embodiment has concluded. 

This evening the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks has provided the following updates.

With the passage of Hurricane Fiona, and following an Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) meeting earlier this afternoon, the Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks provided the following.
Minister Weeks said, “By all accounts, we had a very long night and some very tense moments during the early morning hours. But in true Bermuda resilience fashion, we withstood the effects of Hurricane Fiona and thankfully, there was no loss of life or serious injuries.