Government

The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP has issued the following statement of condolence to the family of the late Darius Tucker.

“A terrible tragedy,” said Premier David Burt today after news confirming the passing of former MP Darius Tucker.

Good day to all of Bermuda, and thank you for joining us here today. 

The Ministry of Economy and Labour is instrumental to the future wellbeing of our country, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished over the last twelve months. 

However, there is much to do. We will continue our commitment to the people of Bermuda as we work to provide strategic direction and oversight over the various reform and improvement initiatives under our remit.

Good Day, Bermuda,

 Today, I would like to share the Ministry of Education’s 2022/23 Budget highlights.

The Ministry of Education provides an invaluable service to the people of Bermuda and our nearly 4,400 students. Being the only school system in Bermuda that is truly comprehensive, our work is essential and rewarding as it contributes to our country’s growth and prosperity.

In the words of the Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.”

On Tuesday (8 March 2022), I had the opportunity to speak to a dynamic group of women as the guest speaker for the BPSU International Women’s Day. As the Minister responsible for Human Rights and gender affairs, it was a privilege for me to recognize International Women’s Day 2022 and join in the campaign to celebrate and support the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women everywhere.

The BRSC would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists of their duty to drive safely while on the roads. Our slogan for the month is “Maintain your distance”.

Good afternoon members of the media, 

The Ministry of Transport strives to provide an environment where job creation and entrepreneurship in the transportation industry are favourable.

The importance of transportation in our community cannot be understated. Transportation enhances the reach of businesses, services, jobs, activities, goods, and productivity. It is vital for our tourism sector; for transporting visitors and moving them around the island – in essence, there is no tourism without transport.

The Department of Health is inviting nominations for the Public Health Awards 2022. This year the Public Health Awards will recognise an individual and an organisation for their contribution in preventing the spread of coronavirus for the safety and health of the community of Bermuda.

I am pleased today to provide an overview of the Budget 2022/23 for the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors.

For the Budget year 2022/23, the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors can announce that we have seen a slight increase in our budget from $24.2 million to $ 24.59 million.

When looking at the third sector, we recognize the need to assist social programs where there is a growing need, and therefore, require appropriate funds. These areas include: 

➢ Age Concern – $25,000

➢ Women’s Resource Center – $75,000

The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport is extremely proud of its role in ensuring that our culture and heritage is preserved and promoted; providing support for our young people; and nurturing and guiding the next generation of elite athletes. 

We recognize the fiscal challenges that have been caused by the pandemic. Like other Ministries, we had to ensure that there was a prudent allocation of funds for various services.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors are pleased to announce that March is Intellectual Disability Development Awareness Month at the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy.

According to Principal Margaret Phillips, “Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy has adopted the celebration of I/DD Awareness Month to bring awareness about the work of the school, our students, and their families.”

March through April is the peak time for spotting humpback whales around Bermuda. As part of journeying from their breeding grounds in the Caribbean to their feeding grounds on the eastern seaboard of North America and as far north as Greenland and Iceland, the whales swim through our waters. For the public, watching these majestic animals, spouting, breaching or swimming along slowly with a calf is a thrilling experience, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) wishes to remind the public of how to observe the whales safely. 

Recently, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, JP, MP, visited another local farmer to continue discussing the increased incidents of theft and security strategies that have proved successful.

The Minister, who was accompanied by Principal Agricultural Officer Mr. Tommy Sinclair, also discussed the industry’s ongoing challenges facing farmers. The public will be aware of the term “night farming”, used to describe the theft of produce from farms and gardens, is usually carried out under cover of darkness.

On Thursday, 3 March, the Minister of National Security, Renee Ming, visited the Hamilton Fire Station to observe officers undergoing training for the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service’s (BF&RS) new Aerial Ladder Platform.

The newest addition to the BF&RS’s fleet arrived on island last week.

Minister Ming said, “I’m extremely grateful to the team at the BF&RS for taking a brief pause from their training this morning to demonstrate the functions and capabilities of this state-of-the-art Fire Fighting Appliance.

The Governor, Ms Rena Lalgie, has announced the appointment of Mr Juan Wolffe as a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Bermuda. 

This appointment follows an open and competitive recruitment process and a recommendation received from the Judicial and Legal Services Committee. 

The Governor said, “I am very pleased to appoint Mr Wolffe to this important role.  In particular, he brings valuable knowledge and insight from his extensive experience as a dedicated Judicial Officer in both the Magistrates’ Court and the Supreme Court over the last 16 years. 

Good Morning Mr. Speaker,

As the Minister of the new Economy and Labour Ministry, I rise today to update this Honourable House on the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan (ERP).

Mr. Speaker,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House of the launch of a major study to identify the potential impacts and risks of climate change to Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), is responsible for the regulation and safety oversight of aviation in Bermuda and all aircraft on the Bermuda Aircraft Registry (the Registry). As such, BCAA is currently assessing how the recent global sanctions imposed against Russia will impact the Registry.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker, I lay before this Honourable House the Bermuda Housing Trust (“the Trust”) Audited Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending March 2021.

Mr. Speaker, just like many other organizations in Bermuda, the financial year 2020-21 proved to be a challenging year for the Bermuda Housing Trust due almost entirely to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MR SPEAKER,

I rise today to update this House and the listening public on the amazing and exciting work that is taking place in education reform, specifically the work of Learning First. With Signature Schools set to open in September 2022, much work has transpired to ensure that students have an educational experience that prepares them for their future and connects them with industry and their community.

MR SPEAKER,

Recently (Feb. 23), the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Walter Roban and the Minister of National Security the Hon. Renee Ming visited the latest group of soldiers taking part in the first recruit camp of 2022.

Minister Roban and Minister Ming viewed the medic lesson being delivered to the new recruits and also had an opportunity to view the signals and communications lesson.

Good afternoon,

Thank you for joining me today for this rescheduled post-Budget press conference, which I’m conducting remotely.

I wish to assure the public that I am feeling fine, and I intend to conduct most of my engagements this week remotely, including the rescheduled Chamber of Commerce Budget Breakfast and the House of Assembly on Friday. I look forward to returning to the office next week to continue progressing the Government’s Agenda.