Government

Earlier today (Sept. 8) the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) met to get the latest update on Hurricane Larry.

Today’s meeting was chaired by the Minister of National Security, Renee Ming and had in attendance representatives from key EMO agencies such as the Bermuda Weather Service, Royal Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, Belco, Parks and Public Works.

Minister Ming said, “Once again, we met to assess the latest forecast and track of Hurricane Larry. 

“Sadly, Bermuda has experienced another death of someone who was COVID positive,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend sincere condolences and prayers for support to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.”

The Ministry of Health received 10,984 test results since the last update, and 225 were positive for the coronavirus, giving Bermuda a test positivity rate of 2.0%. 

These results are from testing done on:

·         Thursday, September 2: 53 positive out of 3101 results (1.7% positivity)

The Bermuda Road Safety Council would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the recent road traffic fatality.  Losing a loved one is never easy and the council wants the family to know that the community is with them during this difficult time.

The Bermuda Road Safety Council takes this opportunity to announce our slogan for the month of September – Signal Early (using indicators).

This morning, Tuesday, September 7th, the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, met with the Education Emergency Measures Committee (EEMC) to discuss back-to-school provisions in light of the country’s current coronavirus status.

Minister Rabain said, “The EEMC met to discuss the safest way forward for staff and students for the beginning of the academic year 2021-2022 given the number of positive coronavirus cases, including an increase in the number of positive cases for children.

The Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, recently had the opportunity to visit the Community Intellectual Disabilities Team to discuss their newly launched services for intellectual disability clients and their families at home.

Minister Furbert expressed, “I am grateful for the opportunity to have met with the Community Intellectual Disability Team, learn more about their services, and tour their new working space at Montrose Cottage.

Happy Labour Day to the workers of Bermuda!

As we celebrate this day, I take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks and gratitude to each and every worker for the contributions you make to our Island home. The previous year has been a tumultuous journey, and I salute all of you for braving one of the most challenging times of our lives. We have endured much, and I thank you for your resilience. Together we will continue to put in the work to restore our economy. 

The Ministry of Health received 8358 test results since the last update, and 125 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 1.5%. 

These results are from testing done on:

•        Monday, August 30: 35 positive out of 2479 results (1.4% positivity)

•        Tuesday, August 31: 31 positive out of 2983 results (1.0% positivity)

•        Wednesday, September 1: 59 positive out of 2896 results (2.1% positivity)

12 of the new cases are classified as imported with history of travel in the previous 14 days, with details as follows:

Today, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, released the Quarter 1, 2021 Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Expenditure publication (attached). 

Minister Furbert explained, “After adjusting for inflation, the GDP in constant prices for the first quarter of 2021 when compared to the 1^st quarter of 2020 decreased by 4.3 % to $1,686.5 million. The decline in growth was influenced primarily by lower Final Consumption Expenditure and declines in Gross Capital Formation and the surplus External Balance of Goods and Services.”

Good morning to members of the media and the listening public. 

Standing beside me is Jason Smith and his team from Smith Hauling and Excavation. 

Many are aware of the Economic Stimulus Programme launched by my colleague, the substantive Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. David Burch, on December 17 2020. Across the island are signs indicating where projects are ongoing. With a maximum budget of $13,385,000, many small to medium-sized contractors have taken up the offer to participate in this opportunity. 

As the busy 2021 hurricane season continues, the Minister of National Security, Renee Ming encourages the public to remain vigilant.

Minister Ming said, “This continues to be a very active hurricane season. For our part, the Ministry of National Security will continue to provide updated and relevant information to the public on impending storms. As a timely reminder, we are sharing a few helpful tips so that the public can ensure they are properly prepared in the event of a serious storm.”

In support of the Bermuda Veterinary Association, the Ministry of Home Affairs continues its campaign to protect unvaccinated dogs against the parvovirus that is currently circulating the Island. 

The second clinic will be held at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel front entrance on Sunday, September 5, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

The Bermuda National Library is celebrating Library Card Sign Up Month during September 2021.

In celebration of this month, the Bermuda National Library is collaborating with The Friends of the Library, Bermudian authors, and local businesses to offer all members:

●        A “Pop Up and Sign Up” event with free popcorn on Nellie’s Walk

●       Adult storytime with Bermudian authors

●       Beyond the Rubber Tree Tour of Par-la-Ville Park with Mr. Tim Rogers

The Ministry of Education has advised that all schools are to use Phase 2 of School COVID-19 Protocols effective immediately. 

The Department for National Drug Control (DNDC), under the auspices of the Ministry for Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, and in conjunction with treatment agencies across the island, celebrates National Recovery Month. This September. 2021 will be the 32^nd annual Recovery Month observance spearheaded by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals in the USA. The DNDC will use this month to educate Bermuda about substance use treatment, which can enable those with a substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.

Good Morning Bermuda:

As we prepare to reopen Bermuda’s Public Schools on Thursday, September 9^th we are excited about welcoming back our pre, primary, middle, and senior students as safely as possible.

Although we are still navigating a global pandemic, both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry and Department of Education have been diligently working to ensure that the safety of our students and staff is thoroughly prioritised in our safety and health protocols and guidelines.

Recently, the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns recognized this year’s (2021) Bermuda Government Bursary Award recipient Taneesha Ottley.

Ms. Ottley is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Policy and Management at the University of York. During her time in Bermuda she has been working with the Ministry of Education. And Ms. Ottley says her ultimate goal is “to become a senior policy analyst so that she can influence policies in Bermuda.”

Good morning.

Some parents have raised concerns regarding the mask-wearing policy for students while in school. Some feel that our coronavirus testing in schools is sufficient to ensure the safety of our students and staff, and they are requesting that children be allowed to remove their masks while sitting at their desks.

Unfortunately, testing alone will not protect students, teachers and staff, and removing their masks while sitting could increase transmission.

The Ministry of Health received 10,128 test results since the last update, and 79 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.8%. 

These results are from testing done on:

§  Thursday, August 26: 24 positive out of 3188 results (0.8% positivity)

§  Friday, August 27: 31 positive out of 2843 results (1.1% positivity)

§  Saturday, August 28: 12 positive out of 2308 results (0.5% positivity)

§  Sunday, August 29: 12 positive out of 1789 results (0.7% positivity)

Recently, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. the Hon. Ernest Peets congratulated Alay Burgess Rocker, Callahj Simons and Riley Darrell, who were the first, second and third place winners of the Emancipation Youth Creativity Competition, which was held earlier this month (August).

Those who participated in the contest were asked to submit poems, WhatsApp or YouTube videos, and any other artwork or creative expression under the theme of “How have my ancestors made me strong?”.

Good morning.

The process of amending the labour legislation began with ensuring we put laws in place that support the rights of workers. 

This action to create maximum disruption in order to force compliance from the Government, is unlawful and designed to negatively impact the people of Bermuda. 

Such tactics should never be used to promote a position aimed at stripping rights away from workers.

The Government acknowledges that there is fear from the Unions that some employers will try to manipulate the process of cancellation of certificate for their benefit.