Government

Next week (October 11), Bermuda’s first Olympic Gold Medalist, Flora Duffy returns home to Bermuda after enjoying a historic triathlon season overseas.

As the public is aware, October 18^th has been designated a public holiday in recognition of Flora’s extraordinary success at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and World Triathlon. 

This week the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport shared a series of celebratory events that are planned for Ms. Duffy to honour her outstanding achievements.

“Sadly, today I report that since our last update, Bermuda experienced seven more coronavirus-related deaths,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend sincere condolences to the families and friends who lost a loved one over this weekend.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 5798 test results, and 83 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 1.4%.

These results are from testing done on:

●        Thursday: 42 positive out of 2366 results (1.8% positivity)

The public will recall that the Government passed fixed penalty legislation in March, and this month (October) the new fixed penalty ticketing system officially comes online.

The new ticketing system will be jointly overseen by the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) and the Ministry of Health.

The public should note that a Police Officer or a Public Health Compliance Officer can enforce the COVID-19 regulations by exacting fixed penalty tickets to any individual, business or organisation in contravention guidelines.

The Customs Department has implemented the following process regarding the importation of goods that are intended to be used in relation to COVID-19 (i.e., SAR-CoV-2 – severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), such as testing kits and testing supplies.

Customs will secure any shipments containing COVID-19 related goods until such time as the importer of the goods (or their Agent) completes the declaration making process and provides to Customs the necessary approvals from the Department of Health.

On October 11^th, Bermuda’s first Olympic Gold Medalist, Flora Duffy finally returns home to Bermuda after enjoying a championship triathlon season overseas.

As the public is aware, October 18^th has been designated a public holiday in recognition of Flora’s extraordinary success at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 

Today the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport offered a brief update on the celebration and recognition events planned for Ms. Duffy (October 11^th and 18^th) to honour her historic achievements.

The Department of Public Transportation is advising the public of a temporary change in the public bus schedule. Commencing tomorrow, Monday, 4 October through Sunday, 17 October, the public bus service will operate on the Sunday schedule, seven days per week. Additional commuter runs are included from Monday to Saturday.

The schedule adjustment is due to the staffing shortages, which have increased recently owing to COVID-19 related absences. The temporary bus schedule requires fewer resources, which provides for a safer and reliable public bus service.

The Ministry of Public Works announced today that it intends to rename Corkscrew Hill in Devonshire to Flora Duffy Hill.

The renaming of this landmark road is part of a special recognition for Bermuda’s first ever Olympic Gold Medalist, Flora Duffy. 

The name change is in accordance with the Road Renaming Notice under Sections 15 & 16 of the Public Lands Act 1984.

Tomorrow (October 4) the notice will be Officially Gazetted.

The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors wishes to highlight initiatives and resources to support Dementia care in Bermuda.

The Minister, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, expressed, “As we celebrated World Alzheimer’s Month during September, I am happy to share resources for those living with dementia, and those caring for them.” 

“In February 2021, our Ministry launched ‘Dementia Care in Bermuda’, an educational campaign to support families, caregivers, and the general public who may encounter someone with dementia or who may be at risk of developing dementia.” 

“Bermuda has experienced three more coronavirus-related deaths,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “My deepest condolences to the families and friends who are mourning the loss of a loved one.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 4158 test results, and 92 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 2.2%.

These results are from testing done on:

▪          Tuesday: 42 positive out of 2222 results (1.9% positivity)

▪          Wednesday: 50 positive out of 1936 results (2.6% positivity)

Good Day and Welcome,

Today, I wish to update the public on the plans to transition our public schools from Remote Learning to in-person instruction. In September, based on the data received at that time the decision to start the school year via remote learning was made. This decision was not made lightly, as we have repeatedly acknowledged that in-person learning is best for our students. 

As Hurricane Sam continues on its projected path, the Minister of National Security, Renee Ming once again encouraged vigilance from the public. 

The Minister notes that the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) continues to closely monitor the intense category 4 storm as it makes its approach near the island.  

Currently, a Tropical Strom Warning is in effect.

“Commissioner of Police Mr. Stephen Corbishley has tendered his resignation, which I have accepted with immediate effect. I wish Mr. Corbishley well in his future career.

“An open, merit based and fair process will commence as soon as possible to recruit the next Commissioner of Police. In the intervening period, I will be appointing Mr Darrin Simons as Acting Commissioner and Superintendent Na’imah Astwood as Acting Deputy Commissioner.

Good afternoon Bermuda.

I begin this afternoon by offering my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all the persons we have lost since our briefing last week. The number of deaths we are seeing on our island during this outbreak of the Delta Variant is a tragedy for our entire country but especially for those who have lost persons whom they love and care about. 

Good afternoon.

Yesterday I reported that Bermuda had experienced ten more coronavirus-related deaths. I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who have recently lost a loved one due to COVID-19 related illnesses. 

You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I am praying for those currently in hospital with COVID-19 related illnesses. I sincerely hope that they all recover soon.

The Minister of National Security, Renee Ming advised today that the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) continues to monitor the forecast track of Hurricane Sam.   

Yesterday (Sept. 29) Minister Ming chaired an EMO meeting, where all partner agencies confirmed that they were storm ready and prepared to mobislise should the need arise. 

Currently the island is under a Tropical Strom Watch. 

 Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, section 23 (1) a, b, c, Consumer Affairs, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Boppy Company are putting a recall of Boppy Newborn Loungers into effect.

THE RECALL:

The Newborn Loungers were sold at two local stores and online from Pottery Barn Kids, Target, Walmart and Amazon.com, among others. The product is recalled due to infant deaths and suffocation risks.

THE HAZARD:

 The Department of Planning would like to remind the public that the deadline for submitting any comments on the Draft North East Hamilton Local Plan 2021 is October 8th. 

Following the conclusion of this consultation period, proceedings to adopt the plan will commence. To view the document and submit your comments, please visit planning.gov.bm. 

The Ministry of Transport is pleased that the laws of Bermuda have been respected, and the bus operators returned to work earlier today following the Gazetting of a labour dispute on Monday by the Minister of Labour. The Ministry is also pleased that the staff represented by the Bermuda Industrial Union at the Department of Marine and Ports returned to work today.

“I am sad to report today that Bermuda has experienced ten more coronavirus-related deaths,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who recently lost a loved one.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 3721 test results, and 99 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 2.7%.

These results are from testing done on:

▪          Sunday: 22 positive out of 1424 results (1.5% positivity)

▪          Monday: 77 positive out of 2297 results (3.2% positivity)

This afternoon, the Ministry of Transport confirmed that the bus service has resumed at 1 p.m. and all bus routes are currently being serviced.

Minister of Transport, the Hon. Lawrence Scott, JP, MP, said, “We are pleased that bus and ferry service has resumed.  We are grateful to the  public for their patience and acknowledge residents who have stepped in to help others with transportation over the past ten days.”

On 27 September 2021,  the MV Crystal Symphony had a few guests test positive with COVID-19 en route to Bermuda.  During the crossing from New York City to Bermuda, PCR nasopharyngeal tests are administered onboard Crystal Symphony.

On arrival in Bermuda and following Ministry of Health guidance and protocol, the Ship was quarantined while the crew and guests were tested again.  The Ministry of Health gave the Ship the all-clear at 2 p.m. The guests resumed scheduled tours and on-island activities.

The Ministry of Transport has confirmed that the ferry service has resumed operation on a regular schedule. The Ministry will provide an update later today on when the bus service will resume. Minibuses continue to service the core routes bus routes # 1, 3, 7, 8, 10 and 11 on the hour from 7 am to 7 pm. All minibuses will operate according to the Ministry of Health’s Guidance for Public Transportation.

The Ministry appreciates the public’s patience and apologises for the inconvenience. We will provide an update later today.

The Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons, JP, MP, Attorney-General, and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, is pleased to announce the Mirrors Annual Art & Digital Competition winners.  At a virtual ceremony, she shared these welcoming remarks, “Thank you for joining us here today to celebrate the talent and creativity of those who participated in the competition, hosted in partnership with the Mirrors Alumni and Friends Association.”