Government

The Minister of National Security, The Hon. Renee Ming, JP, MP, attended a small gathering at Customs Headquarters on Wednesday, 26 January, to recognise International Customs Day.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) declared that the theme for 2022 International Customs Day (ICD) is“Scaling up Customs Digital Transformation by Embracing a Data Culture and Building a Data Ecosystem”.

The Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert JP MP would like to invite the public to attend the Domestic Violence Awareness Panel on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 6:00pm.

The event will be streamed live on CITV and the Government of Bermuda Facebook and will address key issues around domestic violence. This event also helps to launch Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February.

Today, the Department of Transportation (DPT) advises that the full bus schedule will resume on Monday, 31 January 2022.

A spokesperson for the Department said, “The regular weekday public bus schedule will resume operating as of Monday morning. We wish to thank the public for their patience and apologize for the inconvenience caused by the reduced service.

Today, the Department of Transportation (DPT) advises that the full bus schedule will resume on Monday, 31 January 2022.

A spokesperson for the Department said, “The regular weekday public bus schedule will resume operating as of Monday morning. We wish to thank the public for their patience and apologize for the inconvenience caused by the reduced service.

In December 2021, the Attorney General’s Chambers made Application for Judicial Review against the Decision of the Information Commissioner to issue summonses for the production of records obtained or created by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“Since our update on Monday, Bermuda has another two 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 to circumstances related to this coronavirus. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 4174 test results, and 290 were positive for the coronavirus.

These results are from testing done on:

Good afternoon.

I begin my remarks today by reporting that since our update on Monday, Bermuda has another two COVID-19 related deaths.

I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends who recently lost a loved one in circumstances related to this coronavirus. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

This omicron variant continues to take a toll on our community. It spreads quickly and we have quite a number of active cases, primarily through community transmission.

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has declared that this year’s International Customs Day will be dedicated to “Scaling up Customs Digital Transformation by embracing a Digital Culture and building a Data Ecosystem”. 

Good evening all, 

Please see the below press statement from the Ministry of Public Works regarding domestic waste and Christmas tree collection:

The Ministry of Public works advises that there will be some minor delays in collecting domestic waste this week due to staff numbers impacted by the latest COVID outbreak.

Staff are being repositioned within the department to ensure that waste is collected on designated days. The public will see trucks collecting trash later than usual on those days to keep up with demand.

Today we are reporting another two coronavirus related deaths”, said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend heartfelt condolences to their families and friends, and I am praying for those currently in hospital with coronavirus related illnesses. I sincerely hope that they all recover soon.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 7344 test results, and 496 were positive for the coronavirus.

These results are from testing done on:

§  Wednesday: 145 positive out of 1861 results (7.8% positivity)

The Cabinet Office advised today that in accordance with Section 31(1) (b) of the Bermuda Constitution Order 1968, Mr. Curtis Richardson has submitted his resignation to the President of the Senate with effect from 31^st January 2022. An appointment to the vacant seat will be made in the coming weeks. 

As reported by the Bermuda Police Service, on Sunday, 23 January, nine buses at the Department of Transportation (DPT) Dockyard deport were vandalized, and fare vaults were removed and destroyed. DPT has moved the buses to headquarters to begin repairs. The police investigation is ongoing, and any persons with information about the incident are encouraged to contact the Bermuda Police Service on 211. 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) wishes to advise the public that most air conditioning refrigerants released into the air contribute to climate change or depletion of the ozone layer. In an effort to avoid this, all domestic and commercial HVAC system technicians who handle or manage refrigerant gases must have undergone the necessary training and have a valid “Certified Technician” photo ID Card issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This helps to ensure the proper reclamation, reuse or disposal of refrigerants.

A New Year, brings a new start and with that the BRSC wants to encourage motorists to aim for better driving behaviors in this New Year.  In 2022 the BRSC aims to reduce collisions and fatalities on our roads and it takes all road users doing their part to help. 

Today, the Head of the Public Service Dr. Derrick Binns announced the appointment of Keeva Joell-Benjamin as the Commissioner of Corrections. 

And in an historic milestone, Ms. Joell-Benjamin becomes Bermuda’s first female Commissioner of Corrections. 

Ms. Joell-Benjamin’s appointment became effective January 17, 2022. 

Having joined the service in 1991, Ms. Joell-Bemjamin rose through the ranks of the Corrections Department.

She began her 30-year career as a Basic Officer and has worked in the majority of the Corrections facilities.

The Department of Immigration wishes to remind the public that amendments to the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 came into effect on December 1, 2021, and Permanent Resident’s Certificate applications are now accepted under the new provisions.

The updated application process and form is available online at the Department of Immigration.

Recently, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon Walter Roban, JP, MP, visited farmers to speak with them regarding the increasing incidence of theft, the challenges they face providing produce for the local market, and opportunities to improve their industry. 

The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors would like to invite members of the public to express an interest in becoming a Litigation Guardian.

The role of Litigation Guardian provides extra support for individual children and young people who are subject to family court applications in Bermuda.

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) advises passengers that all bus public routes will continue to operate next week on an expanded Sunday schedule. 

The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Renee Ming, JP, MP, said, “The shooting which took place last night in Paget has left a young man in hospital with life-threatening injuries.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man and his family. 

“We must beak this senseless cycle of violence.  I again urge members of the public to assist the Police.  If you know something, say something.”