Government

The Ministry of Health is aware of a false Whatsapp message claiming that the COVID-Omicron XBB coronavirus is different, deadly and not easy to detect correctly. And that the COVID-Omicron XBB is 5 times more virulent than the Delta variant and has a higher mortality rate than it.

This message did not come from the Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that current data does not suggest XBB is more deadly than Omicron, which itself is less lethal than Delta. 

The Ministry of Public Works Waste Management Section wishes to advise residents that as of today, 30 December, it is currently experiencing delays in collecting garbage this weekend due to mechanical failures in several collections vehicles.

Mechanical crews are scheduled to work through the night to restore more garbage collection trucks into service.

Garbage that is not collected on Saturday, 31 December, will be collected on Monday, 2 January 2023.

The Department of Immigration has seen an increase in inquiries and work permit applications for work permit holders who have worked for their initial employer for less than two years. Clause 4.6 of the 2017 Work Permit Policy states that work permit holders can only change jobs in the first two years when made redundant or on lodging a bona fide complaint with the Labour Relations Section of the Ministry of Economy and Labour against their employer.

Season’s Greetings, Bermuda

We have journeyed through Advent, and Christmas is upon us. We prepare to say farewell to 2022 and look forward with hope and expectation to a new year.

Throughout this season, our community renews family ties and spends quality time with friends. In our tradition, there are smells and sounds that signal the special festive atmosphere that is Christmas.

The Department of Parks is seeking proposals from suitable concessionaires to provide beach/park concession services at eighteen (18) public parklands for summer 2023 (1 March to 31 December). 

Locations of these concessions and square footage are detailed below:

Good Morning.

I am pleased to be joined today by the Minister of Social Development & Seniors, the Honourable Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, the new Salvation Army Bermuda Divisional Commander Major Rob Kerr, Mrs. Beverley Daniels Executive Director of Social Services of the Salvation Army, members of BHC Board and staff.

Earlier today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Pembroke Community Club (PCC) to officially re-open the basketball court with the recently installed new basketball backboards, hoops and rims behind the Casa dos Acores Community Centre.

The Department of Youth Sport and Recreation, at the request of Minister Owen Darrell, secured the following firms Executive Iron Works, Bermuda Sign Printers and International Sports Shop, to fabricate backboards for the basketball courts.

Today, the Ministry of Economy and Labour released the September 2022 Retail Sales Index. 

September’s volume of retail sales decreased 1.8 per cent compared to last year.  In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $97.5 million.

Compared to the pre-pandemic period of September 2019, volume sales were 0.6 per cent lower.

Three of the seven sectors recorded volume declines in September 2022.   

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Recently, several commercial farmers publicly announced their concerns that Bermuda would not be getting seed potatoes or strawberry seedlings for growing next year’s crop. 

I am happy to remove these fears and share with the people of Bermuda that after meeting all the phytosanitary requirements needed to ensure the ongoing good health of the island’s environment, both the seed potato and strawberry shipments have arrived on the island.    

The Ministry of Public Works would like to advise the public of the upcoming waste and recycling collection schedule over the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays.

Christmas day and Boxing Day will be observed on Monday, 26 December, and Tuesday, 27 December. 

 As a result, during Christmas week: