Government

Yesterday (10 August), The Department of Workforce Development’s 2022 Summer Employment and Internship Programmes concluded with a reception celebrating 135 participating students.

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 3973 test results, and 200 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 5%.

These results are from testing done on:

Today, the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, released the May 2022 Consumer Price Index (attached) publication from the Department of Statistics.

The Minister explained, “In May 2022, consumers paid 3.7 per cent more than they did a year ago for the same basket of goods and services; this was the highest recorded level of inflation since December 2007 when the annual inflation rate was 3.6 per cent.”

The Department of Health and the Grow.Eat.Save Programme has partnered with the Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to launch an initiative to encourage residents and organisations to start their own gardens to help address food insecurity and promote healthier living.

 To that end, the partnership has unveiled the Bermuda Parish Garden Competition 2022 with the theme ‘Let’s grow together.’ The categories are School Garden, Community Garden, Non-Traditional Garden, Small Garden and Large Garden.

“It is critically important that we preserve the traditions and culture of our Native American ancestors, such as the Pow Wow, to remind all of Bermuda of this poignant and prominent part of our history,” said the Hon. Wayne Furbert JP, MP at the unveiling of the Post Office’s Commemorative Stamp collection honouring the 20^th Anniversary of the St David’s Islanders and Native Community’s Pow Wow. 

The winner of the Department of Culture’s 2022 Emancipation Youth Creativity Competition is Zen Marley Mello, a 17-year-old CedarBridge Academy student, who won a $100 gift certificate for his submission of a video featuring an animated poem entitled “Never Bound.”

Those who participated in the contest were asked to submit poems, videos, artwork or other forms of creative expression under the theme of “How can my community heal itself?”

Regarding Bermuda’s economic performance, I am pleased to report that in the 1st quarter of 2022, Bermuda’s economy continues its positive trend, supported by the rebounding of tourism and strong consumer spending. 

1st Quarter GDP and Economic Performance

After adjusting for inflation, real GDP increased by 3.9% during the first quarter of 2022 and represents the fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year economic growth. 

Consumer Spending

“I am sad to report that Bermuda has had another four Coronavirus-related deaths,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends who recently lost a loved one in the circumstances related to this coronavirus. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 4376test results, and 163 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 4%.

These results are from testing done on:

• Tuesday: 37 positive out of 912 results (4.1% positivity)

The public would recall the incident last week, Wednesday, July 27, on Front Street, Hamilton, involving the Bermuda Police Service that resulted in the death of a pitbull dog. 

I can confirm that Officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also attended the scene that afternoon. 

While this outcome was unfortunate, it is essential to point out that this incident is the latest in a series of matters involving pitbulls over the last two weeks. 

Cup Match is my favourite Bermuda tradition. It is a celebration of our culture and our history. Bermudians unite to experience the best traditional cuisine, enjoy seeing friends and family and look forward to two days of exciting cricket between Somerset and St. George’s.

This unique sporting holiday owes its origins to a celebration of the abolition of slavery in Bermuda. As we reflect on the sacrifice of our ancestors, it is a source of considerable pride to see their legacy fulfilled year after year through the continued tradition that is now truly a “Classic”.

With the annual Cup Match holiday weekend nearly upon us, the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, spent some time with members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard this week as they prepared for their crucial role over the next few days.

The Coast Guard will operate at a maximum capacity across our coastal areas, day and night, in partnership with the Bermuda Police Service, to monitor public safety on the water.

“As the annual Cup Match holiday fast approaches, I know that many residents will take the opportunity to make use of our beautiful parks and beaches during the holiday weekend. 

“As we keep with the Cup Match tradition and come together to enjoy Bermuda’s outdoor wonders, I encourage everyone to practise safety and to help play their part in ensuring that our outdoor spaces are left in a pristine condition. I wish to take this opportunity wish everyone a safe and memorable holiday,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch, JP, MP.

“I am extremely pleased that the Department of Workforce Development was able to provide $350,000 in scholarship funding”, said the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, at a brief ceremony held yesterday to recognise the Department of Workforce Development 2022 scholarship recipients. “This investment enabled us to increase the number of scholarships available from the ten offered last year to 25 this year, an increase of 150 per cent.”  

“Unfortunately, Bermuda has had another two coronavirus-related deaths,” said Acting Minister of Health, Jason Hayward. “This is sad news, and I extend sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 4146 test results, and 205 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 5%.

These results are from testing done on:

·Tuesday: 32 positive out of 888 results (3.6% positivity) 

“We shall never forget the importance of this annual two-day cricket classic. Cup Match is so much more than a two-day cricket game – it is part of our culture and heritage,” said Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP,  at the cheque presentation to the Somerset Cricket Club.