Bermuda News Updates

The Minister of Finance, the Hon Curtis L. Dickinson, this week authorised unemployment benefit payments to individuals whose ability to earn an income has been directly impacted by the recent measures the government has taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These benefit payments pertain to verified full-time employees of bars and nightclubs who have had to close due to current COVID-19 restrictions. The total benefit for these persons will be $1,000 for the two week period that these restrictions are in place.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo [BAMZ] will be closing to the general public from Saturday, December 12th 2020 until January 1st 2021 to limit potential exposure to animals that are susceptible to coronaviruses and to ensure that the needed provision of care can be provided to its animals and fish. 

Mr. Speaker, let me firstly thank you and this Honourable House for the opportunity to make this important statement at this stage in today’s proceedings.

It was nine months ago today that the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic and since that time we have witnessed a number of countries near and far wage war on the invisible but impactful virus that causes the disease we know all too well – COVID-19.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table the Bill entitled “Cannabis Licensing Act 2020” in this Honourable House today. This comprehensive Bill establishes the Cannabis Licensing Authority to advise and assist the Minister responsible for drug prevention in the regulation of a cannabis industry in Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House on the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme or BOPP.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable members may be aware that in June 2019 the Government committed to developing an integrated Marine Spatial Plan for the entirety of the two hundred (200) nautical miles of Bermuda’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This includes the inshore and offshore areas. The completion date for this project is set for the end of March 2022.

Mr. Speaker

This morning I rise to provide my Honourable colleagues with an update on the Government’s commitment to reform the Bermuda Public School System. 

Mr. Speaker,

Mr Speaker

I rise today to inform this Honourable House of the preliminary plan for COVID-19 vaccination in Bermuda.

Preparations are well underway to bring COVID-19 vaccine to Bermuda and I will outline what we intend to achieve in the first rollout of the vaccine and how we will include the entire health system in our efforts to offer the vaccine to immunize Bermuda’s population against COVID-19.

Mr Speaker

Mr. Speaker, 

This morning I rise to lay the 2018 – 2020 Annual Report of the Department of Financial Assistance (DFA) as prescribed by the Financial Assistance Act 2001, Section 3(4) which states: “the Director shall as soon as practicable after the end of the Government’s financial year make to the Minister and publish in such manner as he thinks appropriate a report of his activities under this Act for that year.” 

Mr. Speaker, 

The Chief Medical Officer has advised that the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ESU) of the Ministry of Health has become aware of a potential exposure at The Berkeley Institute to someone confirmed with COVID-19. The person confirmed with COVID-19 has been isolated.

Public Bus Service Suspended Until Further Notice

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) wishes to advise the public that the public bus service will be suspended pending advice from the Ministry of Health.