Government

As a follow up from Friday’s House of Assembly announcements, Premier David Burt will host a virtual Town Hall meeting tomorrow (Feb. 8), to further discuss the changes to the Public Health Emergency regulations.

The Premier will be joined by the Minister of Health, Kim Wilson and the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets.

“Sadly, Bermuda has recorded another coronavirus related death,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 5142 test results, and 137 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 2.7%.

These results are from testing done on:

§  Wednesday:  38 positive out of 1221 results (3.1% positivity)

§  Thursday: 45 positive out of 1425 results (3.2% positivity)

The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Renee Ming, JP, MP, after visiting the scene of the stabbing incident on Parson’s Road yesterday morning, said, “I am shocked and outraged at what is the second violent attack on a person to take place this week.

“While I am glad that this stabbing incident has not resulted in an unspeakable tragedy, I want to convey to the young man and his family, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Mr. Speaker, it has been said, “There is no tourism without transport”, and the future of Bermuda’s economic recovery depends on our air and sea visitation in 2022. Today I will share the estimated cruise and air passenger projections and highlight some of our intended Border Policies.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to lay before this Honourable House the Bill entitled “Matrimonial Causes (Faultless Divorce) Amendment Act 2022”. This Bill amends the Matrimonial Causes Act 1974, to reform the current legal process for obtaining a divorce, nullity of marriage or judicial separation; and for related matters.

Mr. Speaker, in accordance with section 35 of the Contributory Pensions Act 1970, I am pleased to table the Contributory Pension Fund (CPF or the Fund) Actuarial Report as at August 1^st, 2020.

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

As I reflect back on the past 26 months, it actually pains me to recall the huge devastation caused to, and sacrifices made by, so many people in our community as we fought together against a pandemic never before seen in our generation as when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to provide an update to this honourable house on the issue of gangs in Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker, you will recall that I provided a statement to this Honourable House some three months ago where I addressed a number of matters relating to gangs in Bermuda including the root causes, our existing gang violence reduction programmes, proposed programmes and our multi Ministry approach. At that time, I did not speak to gang numbers or enforcement but will do so today as well as provide an update on the Gang Violence Reduction Team’s programs.

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

Today I would like to address a number of concerns reported to the Ministry of Labour from employees and members of the public about mandatory vaccinations within the workplace and the perceived treatment of Bermudian employees as it pertains to layoffs.

Employees, and their representatives, from various industries, have voiced concern that many employers are laying off Bermudian employees at a rate disproportionate to that of Work Permit holders. 

The Government of Bermuda, as part of the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP), is releasing a public report titled, “The State of Bermuda’s Marine Waters: A Snapshot of Bermuda’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from the Coastline to 200nm.” This comprehensive report, developed in cooperation with the island’s leading scientists, industry experts, and resource managers, will help identify priorities for Bermuda’s future development

As a small island nation, having the resources to manage and enforce our protections has always been a challenge. However, the public will recall the announcement last November that Bermuda became the first Overseas Territory to join Blue Shield, soon bringing this to an end. 

During their visit this week, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the UK Blue Shield Team consisting of Mrs Kylie Bamford from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Mrs Joanna Stockill and Mr Andrew Deary, both from the Marine Management Organisation.

The Department of Marine and Ports is advising commuters that the Rockaway Ferry Stop (Green Route) will remain closed for repairs. The ferry stop was closed in December 2021, while parts were sourced from overseas. The Ministry of Public Works has advised that parts and equipment have been shipped and will arrive in Bermuda within the next week. Barring any shipping delays, the work will be completed by the first week of March. 

With the exception of Rockaway, ferry services will continue on the Green Route to and from Watford Bridge and Cavello Bay ferry stops.

“Sadly, Bermuda has recorded another coronavirus related death”, said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend my deepest condolences to everyone associated with the deceased.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 6199 test results, and 241 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 3.9%.

These results are from testing done on:

§  Wednesday:  80 positive out of 1823 results (4.4% positivity)

§  Thursday: 66 positive out of 1767 results (3.7% positivity)

(Hamilton, Bermuda – Friday, January 31 2022) – The Cabinet Office today announced that the Bermuda Health Council would continue to provide support to transition activities at the Bermuda Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (MDL), in accordance with the Bermuda Health Council Act 2004.