Government

The Department of Health is reminding the public to register for the Bermuda Parish Garden Competition 2022 with the theme ‘Let’s grow together.’ The categories are School Garden, Community Garden, Non-Traditional Garden, Small Garden and Large Garden.

The registration deadline is September 22 at forms.gov.bm/gardencompetition. The contest will begin on September 23 and ends on November 25. 

“Just last week, on Monday, September 12th, 2022, we celebrated a new chapter in Education Reform as we welcomed the first cohort of young people into Signature Schools to undertake Signature Learning Programmes.” said the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP. 

“A total of 289 incoming S1 students were ‘clapped in’ as they entered The Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy to undertake studies in Health and Social Care, Financial and Insurance Services, STEM, and Trades and Professions.”

Signature Learning Pathways include:

Following the retirement of Mrs Michelle Simmons from the Senate, Her Excellency the Governor, acting in her discretion in accordance with Section 27 of the Bermuda Constitution, has appointed Ms Kiernan Bell as an Independent Senator.

The Governor said “I am grateful to Ms Bell for her willingness to join the Senate as an Independent Senator. She brings her own unique experiences to the work of the Senate which I believe will be of value and I wish her well in her future duties.”

“As outlined in the government’s platform of 2017, members of the public will recall several commitments designed to enhance our citizens’ lives,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch,OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, as the Ministry launches a public consultation on improving Bermuda’s water sector.

The Minister of Public Works, Lt. Colonel David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, is today clarifying Cooper’s Island’s status and the public’s access to the area.

Minister Burch said: “Let me first state that the Bermuda National Trust got it wrong, Environmental groups got it wrong, members of the public got it wrong, the Royal Gazette got it wrong and indeed the OBA got it wrong.

The Ministry of National Security advised today that it has been closely monitoring the forecast of Hurricane Fiona. 

As of the 12.00 noon update Fiona was located 905 nm S of Bermuda, moving north at 7 knots. 

It’s anticipated that Hurricane Fiona could have an impact on Bermuda later this week.

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

June’s retail sales volume decreased 4.3 per cent compared to last year. In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $106.0 million or 0.4 per cent. 

Compared to the pre-pandemic period of June 2019, volume sales were lower by 1.3 per cent, with liquor stores the only sector experiencing year-over-year growth in June 2022. 

Mr. Speaker, we convene in this rare fashion today, a jointsession of the Legislature, to reflect on an historic life of committed service and incomparable duty.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lived an incredible, almost surreal life; one of great privilege but also a life dominated by certain core ideals to which we all can relate; irrespective of her elevated status.

Members of the public are invited to participate in three upcoming consultation events aimed at providing information and receiving valuable feedback on the creation of Bermuda’s Draft Blue Prosperity Plan.

These events will take place on the following three dates and locations:

Session 1: 15^th September 2022

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: St. Paul’s AME Centennial Church Hall, Hamilton

Session 2: Wednesday, 21st September 2022 

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 7334 test results, and 58 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 1%.

These results are from testing done on:

·Tuesday: 4 positive out of 695 results (0.6% positivity)

·Wednesday:  10 positive out of  616 results (1.6% positivity)

·Thursday: 8 positive out of 392 results (2.0% positivity)

·Friday: 6 positive out of 1872 results (0.3% positivity)

The Department of Marine and Ports has today issued notice to the public and commuters using the Rockaway Ferry stop that the services are suspended, effective immediately, due to an inoperable bow loading ramp. 

 Currently, the Department of Works and Engineering is working on repairs at the ferry stop. 

 The Department apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks the public for their patience as these necessary repairs are completed.  

The Department will provide an update as soon as possible.

The Economic Development Department is today announcing the launch of its annual Reverse Pitch Competition. Unlike a regular pitch competition, which involves participants presenting their business idea to potential investors, Reverse Pitch participants engage in problem-solving regarding a pain-point, or a challenge, using technology and present their solution, or pitch, to a panel of industry judges.

The Ministry of Public Works advises that due to the Public Holiday & National Day of Mourning on Monday, 19 September 2022, household waste that would usually be collected on that day will be collected on Tuesday, 20 September. 

All garbage collection on the week of the 19th will follow a rollover schedule, with Tuesday’s garbage collected on Wednesday, Wednesday’s collected on Thursday, Thursday’s collected on Friday and Friday’s collected on Saturday. 

Today, Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Rena Lalgie, has made a Proclamation declaring Monday, 19^th September a Public Holiday to coincide with the National Day of Mourning and the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A Government spokesperson also advised that Her Excellency and Premier David Burt have been invited to represent Bermuda at the State Funeral.

Government announced today that there is to be a Joint Session of the Legislature on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

Led by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, MPs and Senators will have the opportunity to offer condolences and tributes to mark the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Friday’s special Joint Session will be broadcast live on CITV and on radio at 105.1FM.

Today, the Cabinet Office paused to remember all who lost their lives on September 11^th, in the Twin Towers in New York City and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. 

And a Cabinet Office spokesperson encouraged the community to remember in particular the Bermudians and Bermuda residents – Rhondelle Tankard, Boyd Gatton and Robert Higley – who tragically died on that day.  

The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, said today: “Yet another incident of violence has occurred in our country, and I send out my condolences to the victim’s family.

“I also wish the second stabbing victim who attended the hospital a speedy recovery.

“We must always condemn violent incidents like these, and the community violence issue will continue to require our collective attention and focus.

The Ministry and Department of Education would like to remind parents and students that pre-return COVID testing commences today. 

Negative results dated between September 9-11, 2022, are required to allow for in-class learning on September 12th, 2022. 

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain JP MP stated this morning, “The response from students who have already registered for their return to school tests is positive. Thus far, we have 3,506 students registered for testing.

A Government spokesperson has confirmed that in keeping with the protocol on the passing of the Sovereign, the UK and the Overseas Territories have entered a period of National Mourning.

Earlier today at Government House, there was a 21-rifle salute to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks stated: “By all accounts, Hurricane Earl passed the Island early this morning without significant incident.

“I want to thank our emergency services, including our Police, Regiment, medical services and our Fire and Rescue Service for their work and readiness for what could have been a different scenario.”

The Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks shared the following update regarding Hurricane Earl, which is now moving away from Bermuda.

Good afternoon Bermuda:

I’m joined today by the National Disaster Coordinator, Steve Cosham and via phone, we have the Acting Director of the Bermuda Weather Service, Michelle Pitcher.

Hurricane Earl continues its track towards the island and remains a threat to Bermuda. As of the noon day forecast, Bermuda remains under a Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning.

Earlier today, we convened an Emergency Measures Organisation meeting to get the latest updates on Hurricane Earl.

“A life of undimmed duty, a model of strength and devotion to country…” said Premier David Burt today following news that HM the Queen passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. “Queen Elizabeth’s reign has spanned decades of such immense change for the United Kingdom and the world. The recognition of her longevity and the significance of her service affords this consequential reign a unique place in history. Beyond the role which the Queen fulfilled for these

Her Excellency the Governor said  “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Queen. I offer my sincere condolences to  His Majesty The King and the Royal Family  at  this  difficult  time.  The loss will  be  deeply  felt  throughout  Bermuda, the  Commonwealth and around the world.

As a British woman, very much a child of the Commonwealth, The Queen’s devotion to service, her  resilience  and  the  example  she  set as a female leader continues to be an inspiration to me.

This evening, the Ministry of National Security provided the following regarding Hurricane Earl.

As of the 6.00 p.m. update Hurricane Earl was located around 350 nm south of Bermuda, moving north at 7 knots.

It’s anticipated that Earl’s closest point of approach within the next 72 hours will be 12.00 am Friday morning, when it’s forecast to be some 99 nm ESE of Bermuda.

Earlier today, the Emergency Measures Organisation met to get the latest update on Hurricane Earl. I am pleased to note that all our EMO partner agencies are ready and prepared should the need arise.

As of the noon update from the Bermuda Weather Service, Hurricane Earl continues to be a threat to Bermuda. Currently Bermuda is under a Tropical Storm Warning. Based on the latest forecast from the BWS, Hurricane Earl will be a category 3 storm as it passes southeast of Bermuda late Thursday night into Friday morning.

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 4574 test results, and 106 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 2%.

These results are from testing done on:

1.       Tuesday: 13 positive out of 957 results (1.4% positivity)

2.       Wednesday:  24 positive out of  892 results (2.7% positivity)

3.       Thursday: 9 positive out of 574 results (1.6% positivity)

4.       Friday: 15 positive out of 561 results (2.7% positivity)

5.       Saturday: 12 positive out of 288 results (4.2% positivity)

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, stated, “We would like to remind parents that the application for the $150 relief is now live. This is a one-time payment for each student enrolled in a government preschool, primary, middle or senior school.”

“Parents are advised that the application for this relief will be open for two months, from September 2nd until October 31st, so that all of our parents can access this financial support for families.”

“On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Fortitude Re for their generous donation to CedarBridge Academy,” said the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP.

Fortitude Re donated $20,000 to CedarBridge Academy to fund a 6-week tutorial programme for over 150 students to receive support based on their needs and course requirements.

Upon completion of the programme, 60% of students had improved their grades in one or more subjects, with 7 students winning awards for improving their grades by 15% or more.

I previously announced that I had reserved the Cannabis Licensing Bill 2022 for the signification of Her Majesty’s pleasure under Section 35 (2) of The Bermuda Constitution.

I have now received an instruction, issued to me on Her Majesty’s behalf, not to Assent to the Bill as drafted.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs concluded that the Bill, as currently drafted, is not consistent with obligations held by the UK and Bermuda under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.