Government

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.”

“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).