Government

“As Cup Match approaches, we anticipate that there will be increased excitement and activity as we prepare for a long weekend of events. However, as we enjoy ourselves, it’s important to engage in responsible behaviour and think of the health and safety of others,” said the Minister of National Security Michael Weeks in advance of the busy holiday period. 

Minister Weeks stressed that he hopes residents will make good choices and cautioned that there will be a visible presence of Police and other uniformed services over the holiday period to ensure public safety. 

The Ministry of Public Works reminds the public that Middle Road in Southampton will be fully closed to motorists on Saturday, August 6th and Sunday, August 7th 2022, due to BELCO trench work.

Depending on the operation’s progress, the closure may extend to the following weekend, including Saturday, August 13th and Sunday, August 14th.

The Ministry apologies in advance for the inconvenience caused. The work will take place between Riviera Road and the Rebecca Road stretch with the road closing 7 a.m. Saturday and reopening 7 a.m. Monday.

Earlier this week, the Department of Culture unveiled an exhibition entitled “Pioneers Who Persevered: Black Nurses in Segregated Bermuda”, which iscurrently on display at the Bermuda Society of Arts.

The Tucker’s Point Resort Residential Development (Hamilton and St. George’s Parish) Special Development Order 2011 was approved in 2011, which gave in principle planning permission for residential development and draft subdivision approval associated with land owned by Castle Harbour Limited (Tucker’s Point Club). The subject lot (Lot 2) was approved and then registered under S0037/12 on 4 April, 2014 which included a series of conditions and allowed the lot to be developed under Residential 2 standards.

On Friday, 15 July, the Minister of Legal Affairs brought into force Part 5 of the Child Safeguarding (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2019.

“The safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of our children are paramount to all, if Bermuda is to thrive in the future,” said the Attorney–General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons JP, MP. “There should be no hiding place for the vile perpetrators of sexual offences against children, and no procedural hurdle at trial too high to prohibit perpetrators being brought to justice.”

The Economic Development Department (EDD) is pleased to announce the launch of the annual Technology Innovation Awards, otherwise known as the Tech Awards. 

Since 2007, the EDD has proudly celebrated the best Bermuda-based companies and products that have made their mark in the technology industry both locally and internationally.

Recently Her Excellency the Governor, Rena Lalgie and the Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, visited Warwick Camp to spend some time with the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Junior Leaders.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment Junior Leaders (JLs) is the Regiment’s Youth Programme. And young people aged 13 – 17 have been participating in their annual summer camp since 3 July.

“I’m pleased by the progress of the preliminary work underway in the East-End for the construction of the St. George’s Marina. We promised to advance this construction and that promise is being kept. 

“There is no doubt that when this Marina is completed, it will contribute towards the economic revival in St. George’s, alongside the St. Regis Hotel and several initiatives underway. 

Good morning, Mr. Speaker,

I am elated to rise today to present to this Honourable House an update on investment in the Economic Investment Certificate in Bermuda.

Good afternoon Mr. Speaker, 

Today, I will table the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Annual Report and Audited Financials for the 2021 fiscal year and give a brief overview of the state of tourism so far this summer.

The Authority is guided by the National Tourism Plan and founded on five key values

1. Performance and Accountability
2. Passion & Pride
3. Leadership & Collaboration
4. Honesty & Integrity
5. Awareness & Respect

The Annual Report

Good morning, Mr. Speaker,

I am pleased to rise today to provide to the Members of this Honourable House an overview of the Approved Residential Schemes Guidelines (the “Guidelines”). These Guidelines will function as one of a range of economic development tools to facilitate economic development and regeneration within the Economic Empowerment Zones (the “EEZs”).

“Genuine and consistent community involvement in addressing community violence and anti-social behaviour is what’s vitally needed right now,” said the Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, as he gets set to host an upcoming Town Hall meeting on the topic.

Taking place July 19, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the St. Paul AME Centennial Hall in Hamilton, the meeting will also feature the Commissioner of Police, Darrin Simons and Bishop Leroy Bean, the Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator.

Mr Speaker, by any measure Bermuda is an affluent society. But that affluence has created a society in which economic pressures make it increasingly difficult for many hardworking people to keep up. Legitimate aspirations are frustrated by runaway costs of basic items which are necessities for life in this community. The high cost of living creates circumstances which sometimes defy economic theory but create a reality which the Government has a responsibility to address.

Mr Speaker,

Today I would like to celebrate and commend the recipients of the various scholarships and awards provided by the Ministry of Education.

Through our mandate to support continuing education, the Ministry funds scholarships and awards, helping over 65 individuals to attend college and university. There are 9 scholarship and award categories provided by the Ministry of Education, which are in addition to those granted through the College Promise programme, administered by Bermuda College.

Mr Speaker,

This morning, I would like to give brief remarks regarding a Bill entitled the Bermuda College Amendment Act 2022, which I intend to table later today.

The Bill proposes a simple change – to allow the Bermuda College to appoint its own Auditor. The Bermuda College initiated the proposal as a result of recent changes to the accreditation standards of the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the accrediting body of our only tertiary educational institution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House of my attendance at the United Nations Oceans Conference in Lisbon, Portugal which was held the 27th June to the 1st July 2022.

Mr. Speaker, more than 6,000 participants from more than 150 countries attended the conference, according to organizers, including 24 heads of state and government.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

In early June I announced changes to the Travel Authorization that improved the process for travelers, and we continue to see travelers having better experiences due to those changes. The improvements included:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide a further update on operational changes at two Quangos – namely the West End Development Corporation and the Bermuda Land Development Company.

Mr. Speaker as this Honourable House may be aware, the Ministry of Public Works issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) two weeks ago on Friday, July 1st, 2022 for a Financial Feasibility Study on the Government Quarry Depot located in Hamilton Parish.

Mr. Speaker, some background first:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight to the Honourable Members and the public about the unprecedented financial challenges that many of our nursing homes are currently experiencing and the recent financial relief provided to those nursing care homes that received a grant from the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors remit.

Mirrors kicked off the 2nd Cohort of its PeerForward Programme with 23 students from CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute completing a three-day peer leader workshop at the Willowbank Resort.

PeerForward aims to transform student leaders to spearhead school-wide enrollment and school-specific campaigns to drive college enrollment. Students will activate campaigns and services in their high schools to grow a college-going culture at both schools.