Government

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.”

“I am saddened to report two coronavirus related deaths since our last update,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 8187 test results, and 622 were positive for the coronavirus.

These results are from testing done on:

§  Friday: 179 positive out of 2300 results (7.8% positivity)

§  Saturday: 57 positive out of 1664 results (3.4% positivity)

~ Public encouraged to support local talent at safely distanced midday concert ~

Tomorrow, Friday, January 21, the Department of Culture will once again host the popular Creatives Live! open air concert series, showcasing Mowhawk Radio Unplugged.

Happening on the City Hall steps, tomorrow’s Creatives Live! will be safely distanced and take place from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm.

The Ministry of Health today announces that effective Friday, 21 January 2022 the following requirements will continue to be in effect for a further two weeks:

●     Maximum group sizes will remain at 20 people.

●     Household mixing is strongly discouraged. However, if you must attend a household other than your own, we continue to strongly urge persons to take an antigen test before they visit another home or welcoming someone into their home.

●     Masks must be worn indoors and, also, outdoors when you are within 6 feet of another person.

The Government advised this evening that the Public Health (Covid-19) Emergency Order, which was passed in the House of Assembly on December 10, 2021, has been posted online in the Official Gazette. The Order can be found here.

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) advises the public that the office will close at noon on Thursday (20 January) and reopen for regular hours on Friday (21 January).

The call-in number 297-7714 will be available for general queries.

The DWD apologises to the public for any inconvenience this may cause.

Today the Ministry of Transport, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Marine and Ports Services are advising the public that 37 abandoned and derelict boats – owners unknown – will shortly be removed from the water and disposed of.  This is a joint programme between Government and Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB) in accordance with an MOU signed by the Minister of Transport.

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 6035 test results, and 603 were positive for COVID-19.

These results are from testing done on:

§  Tuesday: 225 positive out of 1945 results (11.6% positivity)

§  Wednesday: 222 positive out of 2281 results (9.7% positivity)

§  Thursday: 156 positive out of 2034 results (7.7% positivity)

107 of the new cases are classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 496 new cases are classified as either local transmission (56) or under investigation (440).

The Ministry of Health advises that effective immediately, mandatory quarantine will no longer be required for contacts of a positive case if persons are not experiencing COVID symptoms and your last vaccine dose (2nd dose or booster dose) was received within the last 6 months. However, it is strongly recommended that daily antigen tests be taken for self-monitoring during the seven days after close contact, especially if you will be entering a workplace setting or place where you will be in contact with others outside of your household.

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) is advising passengers that due to a recent increase in staff absences, as of Monday, January 17th and until further notice all bus routes will operate on an enhanced Sunday schedule, seven days a week. For more information visit gov.bm/bus or call 292-3851.

Taxpayers are reminded that Payroll Tax and Corporate Service Tax Returns for the quarter ending December 31 2021 are due on or before Monday, January 17 2022.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Returns for the month ending December 31 2021, are also due on or before Monday, January 17 2022. Financial Services Tax Returns for the quarter ending December 31 2021, are due on or before Monday, January 31 2022. 

Full payment must accompany all returns otherwise penalties will apply. Please use 2021/22 tax rates.