Bermuda News Updates

Good afternoon.

Thank you for joining the Minister of Labour and me today.

As the coronavirus continues to profoundly impact our lives, the Government of Bermuda remains focused on the necessary work to ensure that Bermuda remains safe. Additionally, we continue the work required to provide a safety net to those persons and businesses who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

In my remarks today, I will cover three areas. They are as follows:

Good day to members of the media and the listening public. Thank you for your attendance and for watching this Press Conference.

Introduction

In today’s press conference I will provide an update on four (4) areas:

1. Employment Act and Labour Law changes;
2. Hamilton Docks Dispute;
3. Financial Assistance Updates;
4. Department of Workforce Development Updates.

1. Employment Act and Labour Law changes

On Friday I tabled two critical pieces of legislation:

Good Day Members of the Media, 

Over the weekend there were 1903 test results received by the Ministry of Health from 28-29 November 2020, and nine were positive for COVID-19. 

Two  of the new cases are classified as imported with details as follows:

• 2 residents who arrived on B62231 from New York on 28 November 2020 and tested positive on arrival

Five  of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact with details as follows:

The Joint Ministerial Council, held virtually 23-26 November, has been a chance to celebrate the special partnership between the UK and the Overseas Territories (OTs).

Premier, the Hon E. David Burt, JP, MP, joined UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and elected leaders at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), and representatives from OTs and the UK. They held wide ranging discussions on a number of topics, including economic issues, COVID-19 response and recovery, protecting vulnerable groups and protecting the environment in both the run up to and beyond COP26.

The Minister of Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert attended the BUEI Christmas Craft Market on Saturday to show support for one of the featured vendors – The K. Margaret Crater Centre (KMCC).

They sold items made by their craft production group, where the clients are involved with making all of the items, to the degree of their abilities. 

They had several items for sale including candles, table runners, Christmas balls and magazine bowls.

The Ministry of Education this evening issued a further update to the public.

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, stated, “A non-teaching worker, employed at Clearwater Middle School tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend. The initial assessments by the Department of Health are that the school is safe to open tomorrow, Monday, 30 November, and will undergo a full risk assessment.