Government

The Department of Education wishes to notify parents that registration for the Bright Start Programme 2021/2022 for three-year-olds has been postponed.

Parents who were planning to register their children for the Bright Start Programme at the preschools listed below are advised that the registration previously scheduled to take place from June 14th to 16th is postponed until further notice to enable a further review of the requirements for the online registration process:

A special good afternoon to our National Sport Governing Bodies, award recipients, their families and supporters.

Welcome to the Annual National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme award ceremony.

What an exciting occasion.

From tennis to sailing; from Sanshou to boxing; and from motorcycle racing to volleyball; we are here today to honour some of the best in youth sports.

The Ministry of Health received 4800 test results since the last update, and one (1) was positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.02%. 

These results are from testing done on Thursday (0 positive out of 1807 results (0.0% positivity)), Friday (1 positive out of 1488 results (0.1% positivity)) and Saturday (0 positive out of 1505 results (0.0% positivity)).

The new case is classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with a known case.

Additionally, there was one (1) recovery and no deaths.

Good Afternoon Bermuda

Tomorrow Bermuda will commemorate World Elder Abuse Day.  World Elder Abuse Day is held on June 15^th annually to bring awareness of elder abuse and negligence through cultural, social and economic processes.

Our elders should always get their share of respect, care, and concern.  Elder abuse can be of many types, financial abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect.

The Department of Education has opened registration for a virtual STEAM Academy offering for this summer with the theme: ‘Pandemic Vibes – Making the Shift’.

This year’s STEAM Academy will provide an amazing outlet for students who have been extremely resilient through this COVID-19 experience.

The annual programme, operated by the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Programme, will be delivered remotely from July 5th to 28th at a cost of $65 per week.

Using online tools, students will be engaged in remote learning classes from 10 a.m. until 2:15 p.m.

The Ministry of Transport would like to advise the public that as a result of the current Work to Rule by the Bermuda Industrial Union, it is anticipated that the regular bus and ferry schedule will experience some interruptions over the next week while this work to rule and overtime ban is ongoing.  

The Ministry of Transport will make every effort to keep the public informed.

More information on changes to the published bus and ferry schedule can be found at:

The amended Quarantine Order for travellers to Bermuda will not come into effect today, June 13, as previously announced. The Government of Bermuda apologises for the moving dates and the uncertainty this has caused.

The Ministry of Health today addressed rumours circulating in the community about bacteria in the water at Clearwater Beach.

The Ministry of Health received 1683 test results since the last update, and zero (0) were positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.0%.  

Additionally, there were three (3) recoveries and no deaths.

There are currently four (4) active cases, of which;

• Four (4) are under public health monitoring and; 

• None are in the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2497 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 2460 persons have recovered, and sadly, 33 COVID related deaths.

The source of all cases is as follows:

Her Majesty The Queen has recognised the following people in her annual Birthday Honours Iist:

Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour awardees:

Mr. Allan Trew – for services to tourism;

Ms. Laurie Shiell – for services to the community; 

Dr. Clarence Maxwell – for services to culture and Bermuda history; and

Mr. Jon Beard – for services to sport

The Ministry of Health received 1436 test results since the last update, and zero (0) were positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.0%. 

Additionally, there were no recoveries and no deaths.

There are currently seven (7) active cases, of which;

• Seven (7) are under public health monitoring and;

• None are in the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2497 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 2457 persons have recovered, and sadly, 33 COVID related deaths.

The source of all cases is as follows:

The Ministry of Public Works would like to remind the public that trimming back overhanging trees and hedges from private property to prevent vegetation from projecting into the roadways or sidewalks is the property owner’s responsibility.

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to advise of the present disposition of Wantley House located at 20 Princess Street, City of Hamilton.

Members of the public would be aware that the property has been in disrepair for many years and has unfortunately become a site for illicit drug use resulting in further damage from fires. Despite the Bermuda Housing Corporation frequently boarding up all the entryways to prevent illegal access and use of the building, the problem has persisted.

The Ministry of Health received 1698 test results since the last update, and zero (0) were positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.0%.  

Additionally, there was one (1) recovery and no deaths.

There are currently seven (7) active cases, of which;

• Seven (7) are under public health monitoring and; 

• None are in the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2497 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 2457 persons have recovered, and sadly, 33 COVID related deaths

The source of all cases is as follows:

“Very concerning and extremely disappointing,” said the Minister of National Security, Renee Ming regarding the many videos, social media posts and messages circulating highlighting yesterday’s REVOLVE boat event.

The Ministry of Labour will host an online panel discussion entitled “Bullying and Sexual harassment in the Workplace” on Thursday, 10 June at 6:00 p.m. live on Facebook, YouTube and CITV.

Mr. Speaker, I move that, in accordance with sections 10 & 11 of the Development & Planning Act 1974, this Honourable House consider and approve “the Bermuda Plan 2018”.

The Ministry of Health received 1193 test results since the last update, and zero (0) were positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.0%.  Additionally, there was one (1) recovery and no deaths.

There are currently eight (8) active cases, of which;

• Eight (8) are under public health monitoring and;

• None are in the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2497 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 2456 persons have recovered, and sadly, 33 COVID related deaths.

The source of all cases is as follows:

In collaboration with Performance Solutions Ltd., the Department of Workforce Development is pleased to announce a series of upcoming free webinars this month.  

Amrita Bhalla, Senior Human Resources Consultant, Performance Solutions Ltd., will facilitate all the events.

The Ministry of Health received 5021 test results since the last update, and three (3) were positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.05%.  

These results are from testing done on Thursday (3 positive out of 2269 results (0.1% positivity)), Friday (0 positive out of 1370 results (0% positivity)) and Saturday (0 positive out of 1382 results (0% positivity)).

Bermuda has had a history of supporting quality business, while adhering to fiscally responsible policies through a balanced long-term growth agenda. Given the importance of cross-border trade to the Bermuda economy, Bermuda authorities have always been committed to ongoing compliance with international standards for financial regulation, transparency, and international cooperation. We have been subject to independent, international scrutiny by various global standard-setting bodies, which confirms this position.

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

This Friday (June 11), the Department of Culture will once again host the popular Creatives Live! concert series, featuring the musical group Working Title on the City Hall steps.

The midday musical event is aimed at showcasing and supporting Bermuda’s talented artists. 

Previous Creatives Live! performances included The Unit Band, local singers Joy T. Barnum and Olivia Hamilton, the Tino Martinez Quartet and others.

The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club extends their walk-in vaccine facility tonight and tomorrow from 3 pm until 7 pm, located in the Harbour View Ball Room.

We encourage parents that have not been able to register their children for the vaccine and would like for their child age 12 and up to be vaccinated to use this opportunity at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in the next two days.

The Ministry of Health is also reminding parents bringing their children to be vaccinated that the children must bring identification.

“We must continue to work to keep our island safe,” said a Government spokesperson after Chief Justice Narinder Hargun refused an application for an injunction to pause the proposed mandatory supervised quarantine requirement brought by lawyer Mark Pettingill on behalf of certain applicants.  

“This argument failed at the first hurdle and the applicants provided no reason for the Court to stop the proposed plans. The application for an injunction was dismissed. 

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House of the rescinding of the approval granted to the Government of Bermuda to purchase from the Trustees of the Sandys Secondary School, for a purchase price of One Million Bermuda dollars for the unencumbered freehold interest of the 2.5-acres, namely lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 situated at the site of Sandys Secondary Middle School.

Mr. Speaker, let me first declare my double interest:-

Thank you Premier, and good evening everyone.

The Ministry of Health received 1226 test results since the last update, and none were positive for coronavirus. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.0%. 

Additionally, since the last update, there were two (2) recoveries and no deaths.

There are currently 17 active cases, of which;

·           16 are under public health monitoring and;

·           One (1) is in the hospital, with none (0) in intensive care.

Good evening Bermuda,

I begin by extending my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda to two families who experienced great loss over the Bermuda Day weekend. Firstly to the family of Amber Bridges who tragically passed after a serious road accident. And also to the family of the 33^rd person we have lost to the coronavirus. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers, and we wish you much strength and comfort during this very difficult time.

The Department of Marine and Ports, Boats and Moorings section, will be closing midday on Monday June 7^th 2021 to conduct a data system overhaul.

Boats and Moorings will re-open Tuesday June 8, 2021, 8:30am to 4:30pm as per normal operating hours.

The Department of Marine and Ports apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause with regards to inquiries and the registration process. 

Good day to members of the media and the listening public, and thank you for your attendance and for tuning in to this press conference, despite the short notice.

I want to take this opportunity to respond to the President of the Bermuda Industrials Unions statements in the recent press conference regarding the decertification procedure pursuant to the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 2021 (“the Act”) and to state the Government of Bermuda’s position.

~ March retail sales growth the 9^th consecutive month of increase ~

Today, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Hon. Wayne Furbert released the March 2021 Retail Sales report.

In March, the overall volume of local retail sales increased by 7.7%. 

And March’s retail sales growth is the 9^th consecutive month of increase.

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

I am pleased to be here with my colleague, the Minister of Labour, the Honourable Jason Hayward to provide a further update on the Short Term Stimulus Programme that was launched on December 17th, 2020 to a maximum value of BMD $13,385,000 where small to medium sized contractors were invited to participate.

Thank you, Minister Burch and good day to all members of the media and the listening public. 

I am excited to be here today to announce the Economic Stimulus Programme Employment initiative.

Jointly launched by the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Public Works and supported by the Bermuda Housing Corporation, this initiative perfectly aligns with the Short Term Stimulus Programme and the Government’s goal of getting Bermudians back to work. 

The Department of Culture is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the first ever Heritage Month Mini-Float Challenge.

There were more than 50 entries for the Heritage Month competition, which exceeded all expectations for the inaugural event.The public can still view all the entries at https://padlet.com/bermudaculture/floats. 

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, has this afternoon released the following update regarding the Clearwater Middle School.

Minister Rabain said, “As announced yesterday, Clearwater Middle School was experiencing Air Conditioning (A/C) problems and as a precaution, the school building was closed today, June 2nd, to ensure all the necessary repairs were completed.”

The Ministry of Health received 1679 test results since the last update, and none were positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.0%. 

Additionally, there were no recoveries and no deaths.

There are currently 19 active cases, of which;

• 18 are under public health monitoring and;

• One is in the hospital, with none in intensive care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2494 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 2442 persons have recovered, and sadly, 33 COVID related deaths.

The source of all cases is as follows:

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo (BAMZ) has reopened the zoo area of the facility to the public on Wednesday, 2 June after the most recent closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Flatts area attraction shut its doors on March 29 after an increase in coronavirus cases on the island and reopened the aquarium hall, museum, gardens, and the Shop at BAMZ in early May. The zoo area remained closed out of an abundance of caution for the animals. 

Good day Bermuda, and Welcome, 

Today I am pleased to announce a new initiative that will support Bermudians who are pursuing a career in the teaching profession. Joining with me is Miss Laurel Burns, former member of the Board of Education when the policy was developed and a BTIP (Bermuda Teacher Induction Program) representative, and a former Mentor Teacher in the Department of Education.

In September 2021, the Ministry of Education will offer for the first time a ‘Teacher’s Certification Bonded Loan.’  

On June 6, Bermuda will move into Phase 3 on its roadmap to recovery.

As such, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport advised that as Bermuda enters Phase 3, sports will move to Stage 4 of the Return to Play Guidance – effective June 6.

Stage 4 allows for full play with fans.

For athletes, this phase is subject to monthly testing (unless immunized); permitted group size; and ensuring all Public Health guidance is followed.

Clearwater Middle School Building Temporarily Closed on Wednesday, June 2nd 

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, has this evening released the following statement regarding the Clearwater Middle School.

Minister Rabain said, “Last Thursday, the staff at the Clearwater Middle School reported Air Conditioning (A/C) problems, which resulted in high temperatures throughout the school.”

The Ministry of Health is today advising the public that due to the changing status in the community regarding COVID-19 infections and exposures, care homes have been moved to phase two for their visiting and activities.

“These requirements and restrictions are designed to keep residents safe while providing alternatives to help support their quality of life during this challenging time,” explained Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP.

The Ministry of Health received 1145 test results since the last update, and none were positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.0%. 

Additionally, there was one (1) recovery and no deaths.

There are currently 19 active cases, of which;

• 18 are under public health monitoring and;

• One in the hospital, with none in intensive care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2494 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 2442 persons have recovered, and sadly, 33 COVID related deaths.

The source of all cases is as follows:

The Bermuda Road Safety Council (BRSC) would like to take this time to offer our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Amber Bridges.  Losing a loved one is never easy.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Ministry of Labour is collaborating with the Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Immigration to appeal to unemployed Bermudians who are qualified and skilled in various Restricted and Closed Work Permit Job Categories to submit their resumes to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

The Ministry of Health received 5816 test results since the last update, and three were positive for COVID-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.05%. 

These results are from testing done on Wednesday  (three positive out of 1327 results (0.2% positivity), Thursday (0 positive out of 1660 results (0.0% positivity)), Friday (0 positive out of 1434 results (0.0% positivity)) and Saturday (0 positive out of 1395 results (0.0% positivity)).

Additionally, there were 13 recoveries and one death which occurred over the weekend.

The Department of Immigration wishes to advise the public that the UK Government has confirmed that individuals attempting to renew their BOTC (Bermuda) passports, acquire initial passports, or have their lost or stolen passports replaced can expect delays up to 11 weeks.  

Following a recent spike in clients reporting long wait times to renew passports, the Department contacted the UK authorities, who unfortunately confirmed the 11-week timeframe.

TO ALL ATTORNEYS

TRANSITIONAL INCREASE OF SERVICES (COVID-19)

This Practice Direction is issued further to Circular 6 of 2021.

Given the phased re-opening by the Bermuda Government since the lifting of the ‘Stay at Home Order’ the Court will continue its transition to re-opening to providing full services.

Economic growth limited due to pandemic restrictions ~

The Department of Child & Family Services (DCFS) hosted an appreciation dinner to recognize Bermuda’s Foster Parents.  DCFS usually hosts a lunch to honour foster families.  This year, due to public health regulations, a catered drive-in dinner service was arranged. 

 “The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors is pleased to take this opportunity to thank those individuals who have opened their homes and have given selflessly of themselves to make a difference in the lives of children,” said the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP. Minister of Social Development and Seniors. 

On Thursday, (May 27, 2021), Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, JP MP joined key regional stakeholders in discussions at the Meeting with Caricom Ministers Responsible for Energy, Heads of International Financial Institutions, Bilateral Development Partners, and the Private Sector, which included over 150 participants from more than 17 countries.  The meeting was held to introduce a plan to galvanize the region in overcoming the barriers it faces toward a resilient, greener, and lower-cost energy future.

“I am sad to report that Bermuda has recorded another death of someone who was COVID positive. I extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and friends,” said Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.”

“This death brings the total number of coronavirus related deaths to 33. The Ministry of Health will not release any personal details about the individual, and I ask the public to respect the privacy of the family as they mourn their loved one.”